The Impact of Managing Early Pregnancies in Selected Public Day Secondary Schools in Chilubi Districtof Northern Province of Zambia
Authors-Kapoko Patricia Mulenga
Keyword-Early pregnancy, secondary education, Chilubi District, re-entry policy, school dropout, repro-ductive health.
This study investigates the impact of managing early pregnancies in secondary schools of Chilubi District, with a focus on three selected institutions. Early pregnancy remains a significant barrier to girls’ education in many parts of Zambia, particularly in rural areas where cultural practices, poverty, and lack of access to sexual reproductive health educa-tion are prevalent. The research explores how schools are addressing this issue through policy implementation, support programs, and community engagement. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative data from school records and surveys with qualitative insights from interviews and focus group discussions involving students, teachers, parents, and community leaders. The findings reveal a high prevalence of teen-age pregnancies in the selected schools, resulting in increased dropout rates, emotional distress, and limited future opportunities for affected learners. However, the study also highlights the role of re-entry policies, counseling services, and parental support in miti-gating these negative outcomes. The target population for this study will cover 300 partic-ipants who are directly or indirectly involved in the management and experience of early pregnancies within secondary schools in Chilubi District. The sample size of this study will involve a total number of 60 participants, drawn from the three purposively selected secondary schools in Chilubi District The sample will be distributed as follows; 30 fe-male students 10 from each school, 9 Guidance and Counselling Teachers, three from each school, 3 Head teachers and 3 Deputy Head Teachersfrom the selected schools and 9 Parents of Guardians 3 from each school and 6 Health workers 2 per school locality. Despite some success stories, the management of early pregnancies remains fraught with challenges, including stigma, inadequate resources, and inconsistent policy enforcement. The study recommends stronger policy implementation, enhanced community sensitiza-tion, and increased investment in reproductive health education. Overall, the research contributes valuable insights into how early pregnancy is being addressed in rural educa-tional settings and suggests pathways for improving educational retention and success among adolescent girls.
Doi-[https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20538438]