Effect of Teenage Pregnancy Consequences on Academic Attainment of Girls in Selected Public Secondary Schools Case of Nyaruguru District, Rwanda

Abstract

Teenage pregnancy consequences remain a complex problem on girls ‘academic attainment in secondary schools. The main objective of the study was to find out the effect of teenage pregnancy consequences on academic attainment of girls in public secondary schools in  Nyaruguru. The specific objectives were: to determine teenage pregnancy consequences that  girls of public secondary schools of Nyaruguru district face, to assess the level of academic attainment and investigate the effect of teenage pregnancy consequences on academic attainment of girls in Public secondary schools of Nyaruguru district. Questionnaire and interview methods were used for gathering the needed information. Questionnaires were administered among 105 mothers who dropped out after pregnancy and interview to 40 head teachers from all schools with pregnancy drop out cases. Purposive sampling technique was employed to select the respondents. Quantitative data was gathered using questionnaire and structured interview for qualitative data. This study employed descriptive and correlational design. Early marriage, low self-esteem, discrimination from family, separation with former friend at school and isolation from other students are teenage pregnancy consequences that girls in public secondary schools face. The low academic performance, frequent absenteeism and school dropout are the level of academic attainment indicators of pregnant teen girls in public secondary schools of Nyaruguru. Teenage pregnancy consequences contribute 75.2% of the academic attainment. The study recommended education officials, parents and schools leaders to help pregnant schools girls complete their studies.

Keywords: Teenage Pregnancy Consequences, academic attainment, public secondary schools,