INFLUENCE OF TEENAGE PREGNANCY ON GIRLS COMPLETION RATE IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE EDUCATIONAL SUB-DIVISION OF DUNGU, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

Abstract

The Purpose of this Study is to analyse the influence of teenage pregnancy on girls‘ completion rate in secondary schools in the Educational Sub-Division of Dungu in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The study was guided by the following six research questions. To what extent do home factors influence teenage pregnancy school dropout? What are environmental factors that influence teenage pregnancy and school dropout? How does teenage pregnancy influence girls‘ completion rates in secondary schools? Which policies have been put in place by the government to reduce teenage pregnancy and enhance girls‘ completion rates in Congo? What are the challenges that face the policies that are in place to address the issue of teenage pregnancies among girls in the secondary schools? What strategies can be put in place to curb girls‘ pregnancies to enhance their retention in school? The study would be anchored on Health Belief Model. A cross-sectional survey research design for quantitative and phenomenology for qualitative were used in the study. Probability sampling and non-probability sampling were used to select the different categories of participants. Data were collected using questionnaire, interview guide and document analysis guide. Quantitative data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science version 20.0 while qualitative data were analysed thematically. The findings show that home and environmental factors influenced teenage pregnancy and school dropout. Challenges that mitigated the current policies of government are: corruption, perpetrators of teenage pregnancy are unpunished, lack of books, incompetent teachers and lack of boarding schools. Strategies such as: rules and law enforcement, increased public awareness, community development, stakeholders‘ capacity building and boarding school for girls could help curb teen‘s pregnancy. The study recommends that there should be greater involvement of all stakeholders in handling teenage pregnancy.