| dc.description.abstract | The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of School Sexual and Reproductive Health
Education (SSRHE) in reducing teenage pregnancies in Egodauyana Medical Officer of
Health, the area with the highest teenage pregnancy rate in Colombo Colombo Regional
Director of Health Services area in 2021, amidst the devastating COVID-19 pandemic.
This study involved the implementation of SSRHE programs in 12 high-risk schools. The
target population consisted of students in grades 10 and above. In 2021, a total of 75
teenage mothers had registered in the area; 34 individuals (45.3%) belonged to Group 1,
comprising teenage mothers attending school and residing in the area, while the remaining
41 individuals (54.7%) were classified under Group 2, encompassing nonresident teenage
mothers. The age distribution revealed that 44 teenage mothers were aged 18–19 years,
28 were in the 16–17 age group, and three were under 16 years old. In 2022, registered
teenage pregnancies decreased to 68. Within this cohort, 17 individuals (26.5%) were
classified as belonging to Group 1, while 51 individuals (73.5%) were categorized under
Group 2. The age distribution revealed that 48 teenage mothers were aged 18–19 years,
16 were in the 16–17 age group, and four were under 16 years old. There was a statistically
significant reduction in teenage pregnancies within Group 1 when compared to 2021 (p =
0.014). Conversely, Group 2 experienced a substantial increase (p = 0.000) in teenage
pregnancies. A study highlights the value of inclusive SSRHE programs in reducing teen
pregnancies. However, additional support is necessary for nonresident teen mothers. | |
