Key informant perspectives on delivering adolescent pregnancy-related services in Eastern Visayas
Author Information
Alvin Duke R. Sy*1, Kim Leonard G. dela Luna2, Rowel C. Malimban2, John Oliver H. Estadilla3, Jasper M. Maglinab3, Jihwan Jeon4 and Heyeon Ji4
1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines, 2Department of Nutrition, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Padre Faura St, Ermita, Manila, Philippines, 3World Vision Development Foundation, Inc. (World Vision Philippines), West Triangle, Quezon City, Philippines, 4World Vision Korea, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Journal of the Philippine-American Academy of Science and Engineering, SciEnggJ 17 (Supplement): 139-147, April 2024. | DOI: https://doi.org/10.54645/202417SupQWX-98
Abstract
Teenage pregnancy continues to be a significant concern for the health of Filipino adolescents, despite the nationwide implementation of sexual and reproductive health policies. Unfortunately, trends in adolescent pregnancies have not improved significantly, and this is further complicated by a lack of studies assessing the effectiveness of these interventions. Consequently, this research aims to explore the experiences and complexities of delivering adolescent-focused interventions through the perspectives of various service providers.
A qualitative descriptive study using key informant interviews was conducted in Eastern Visayas. An inductive approach to thematic analysis was adopted with the responses compared and categorized until a more encompassing theme can describe the perspective of the key informants. Fifteen interviews were conducted from the education, health care, leadership, and religious sectors of the community. Three main themes were derived with the first one expressing how perceived predisposing factors to teenage pregnancy influence the manner of delivering services. The second theme, multi-sectoral responsibility, presented aspects of adolescent services that must be addressed by various agencies to improve service delivery and even raising issues such as access to contraception. The last theme mentioned other aspects of teenage pregnancy that need to be included in the currently implemented programs.
The study findings highlight the need to re-establish and improve structures in adolescent service delivery including proper allocation of resources, training and preparing personnel, and improving inter- and intra- agency partnerships.
Further research is called for to further examine facilitators and barriers to the delivery of adolescent-aimed programs, and eventually improve social, economic, and health outcomes among the teenage population.
