Browsing by Author "Kibona, Judith Hans"

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    An investigation of the problem of secondary school girls early pregnancy in Kigoma rural Tanzania
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2014) Kibona, Judith Hans
    Early pregnancies are a serious problem to schools girls. This study sought to investigate the problem of secondary school girls’ early pregnancy in Kigoma rural Tanzania. Four research objectives guided the study: To assess the trend and patterns of pregnancy cases among secondary school girls from 2009 to 2012. To describe respondents views on the major causes of early pregnancy among secondary schools girls. To explore the effects of early pregnancy on secondary school girls career future and social expectation. And to examine strategies used by secondary school girls, DSEO, school authority and parents in preventing early pregnancy problem and related four research questions. The study was carried out in eight public co-education secondary schools of Kigoma Rural district. The study employed qualitative approach using multiple methods in data collection including documentary review, focus group discussion and interview, the study involved a total of 115 respondents, 8 heads of schools, 8 schools discipline teachers, 24 parents, 1 DSEO, 42 continuing secondary school girls, and 32 impregnated school girls. The heads of schools, DSEO and discipline teachers were selected by using purposive sampling technique which enabled to get information regarding on their experiences and responsibilities in their posts. Parents were obtained through convenience sampling while the continuing secondary school girls were selected through random sampling technique and the impregnated girls were selected through snowballing technique. Data analysis was based on content analysis. The major findings of the study involved the number of schools girls who are becoming pregnant is increasing annually. Lack of basic needs, lack of life skill education, traditions and customs, mass media, long distance to and from school, peer pressure and lack of affordable and well supervised accommodation facilities (hostels) influence behaviour of secondary school girls to involve in sexual relations leading to unwanted pregnancies. The various effects of early pregnancy on secondary school girl’ career future and social expectations include: schools dropout, social abuse and economic hardship with their newly born babies since they are still dependant on their families for their needs. Upon becoming pregnant, secondary school girl’s career prospects come to an end. The study recommends that the government and community should emphasise on the construction of girls’ hostels in schools, this can be done through government and community physical and financial contribution. Parents and teachers should develop good relationship with secondary school girls and give life skills education to curb pregnancy cases. Government and community should fight against African traditions and customs that affect the well being of secondary schools girls like early marriages. It is recommended other researchers to conduct research on the solutions of the problems of early pregnancies among secondary school girls.