A recent survey conducted by Capstone-Intel Corp. found that 72% of Filipinos consider teenage pregnancy a serious issue in their community. The survey, conducted from September 20 to 27, 2023, gathered responses from 1,210 individuals.
Meanwhile, 21% of respondents said it was a moderate concern, while only 6% believed it was not a significant issue. The remaining respondents were unsure about its impact.
Dr. Bernadette Madrid, head of the Philippine General Hospital Child Protection Unit, emphasized the gravity of the issue, stating, “Teenage pregnancy is a significant public health issue that can have long-term impacts on both young parents and their children.”
The survey also found that 61% of respondents had received formal education on sexual health and contraception during their teenage years, while 31% did not. Additionally, 7% were unsure whether they had received such education.
Madrid pointed out that “The survey highlights that lack of comprehensive sex education is seen as the top contributing factor to teenage pregnancy, with 76% of respondents providing this answer.” She also warned that teenage pregnancy increases health risks such as pregnancy complications, premature birth, and low birth weight.
To address these concerns, she underscored the importance of improving reproductive health education and accessibility to relevant services. “Strengthening widespread sex education and improving access to reproductive health resources can play a crucial role in preventing these risks and ensuring better health outcomes for future generations.”
