To address teenage pregnancies: Early intervention, strategies needed

CEBU, Philippines — The high incidence of teenage pregnancies in the country has underscored the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address adolescent sexual health in the Philippines, according to a study presented by the University of San Carlos- Office on Population Studies Foundation.

The Commission on Population and Development (CPD)-7 formerly Population Commission (Popcom) presented the results of the study during a press conference launching the agency’s re-banding yesterday.

USC-OPS director Nanette Mayol said the study, which was conducted from 2016 to 2022, highlighted key vulnerabilities and opportunities for intervention. The nationwide research had 2,000 respondents aged 10 to 16 years old.

Among the key findings from 2022 (respondents' average age was 16.4 years) are the following: At least 8% of the adolescent respondents experienced sexual intercourse—with a higher prevalence among males; 2% have been in a union—mostly females (78%); and 3%  of the female adolescents had experienced pregnancy.

Majority of first sexual experiences were unprotected-- often due to unexpectedness and lack of knowledge, raising the risk of pregnancy and STIs. Half of the adolescents also had older first sexual partners, with 14% reported having partners that were at least four years older.

“Early intervention is crucial to equip young people with the knowledge, resources, and support they need to make informed decisions and protect their well-being. These findings point to critical areas of vulnerability and the need for targeted interventions to strengthen the human capital formation of Filipino youth, which is essential for leveraging the country's demographic dividend,” said Mayol.

Citing data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, CPD-7 assistant regional director Darlynn Remolino said that high incidence of live births among adolescents in Central Visayas were observed in Cebu Province (5,016); Cebu City (1,505); Lapu-Lapu City (586); and Mandaue City (475).          

The recent findings align with the concerns raised by UNFPA Philippines, which has been actively working to address adolescent pregnancy and sexual and reproductive health in the country through programs focused on comprehensive sexuality education, improved access to youth-friendly health services, and advocacy for policy changes.

The study added that as to the Sexual Initiation and Family Planning as of age 16,  8.4% reported to have experienced sexual intercourse wherein 12.3% among males and 4.0% among females.

While the mean age at first sex is 14.6 years old, one in three had first sex before age 15, first sexual partners were mostly boyfriend/girlfriend/live-in partner, and females tend to have much older partners than the males.

Also, among the respondents, 28% used something to prevent pregnancy or protect against STIs (29.4% among males) and (23.5% among females). Methods used to prevent pregnancy were condom (78.9%), pills (16.5%), and withdrawal (13.6%).

Earlier, the Regional Conference on Family Planning (RCFP) held by CPD -7 sees the importance of integrating gender-based violence and mental health into family planning classes.

It said that the rising cases of adolescent pregnancy among 10 to 14 years old and the continued challenges of cases among 15 to 19 years old validate the need to pass into legislation among local government units the establishing of population and development (POPDEV) offices having Population Officers with a plantilla position and with Teen Centers.

Among the key recommendations included increasing resource allocation, enhancing training and capacity building, establishing clear communication channels, integrating mental health support, and advocating for policy support such as the POPDEV Bill.. (CEBU NEWS)