Challenges that the teenage mothers experience in Nyatike Sub-county, Kenya

Abstract

Teenage pregnancy is a problem in both developed and developing countries with developing countries registering higher prevalence. Girls drop out of school in Kenya due to teen pregnancy with Migori County being the sixth most affected. This study sought to examine the education related challenges faced by teenage mothers in Nyatike Sub-County, Migori County – Kenya. Descriptive survey design was used and a mixed methods approach utilized in data collection and analysis. The target population consisted of 145 primary schools and 27 secondary schools in Nyatike Sub-County. Both probability and non-probability sampling techniques were used. The instruments were peer reviewed and the questionnaire pilot-tested. Quantitative data analysis was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Qualitative data was analysed using NVivo software using thematic approach. This study found that teen mothers (both the school going and out of school going) face a challenge of low academic performance and negative behaviour change as a result of teenage pregnancies. Most teenage mothers also face stigma/discrimination. Most out of school and school going teen mothers do not receive social and psychological support when pregnant. There is little or no education and learning support for teenage mothers. Likewise, there was little or no peer support for teenage mothers. The government should aim to reduce (or eliminate) the many challenges that teen mothers (both the school going and out of school going) face in their life both socially and academically. Measures to support teenage mothers in their academic progress and positive behaviour change is timely. There should be sensitization and campaigns to reverse stigma/discrimination that teenage mothers face. Out of school and school going teen mothers should be accorded with social, psychological, education/learning and peer support.