Teen pregnancy in the Western Visayas down by 5.3%

Posted by watchmen
April 1, 2019
Posted in TOP STORIES

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

 

A recent survey conducted by the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) found there has been a 5.4 percent drop in the number of teenage pregnancies in the Western Visayas.

Based on data gathered by NDHS in 2013, they recorded a 26.6 percent rate in teenage pregnancy, while a separate survey in 2017 revealed a significantly drop to 21.3 percent.

The survey also revealed nine percent of women were pregnant with their first child between 15 and 19 years old.

Commission on Population and Development-Western Visayas Director Harold Marshall said, while the reduction of adolescent pregnancy is good news, there is still a need to exert and sustain concerted efforts by government agencies.

He said these concerted efforts are aimed at countering issues faced by teens such as peer pressure.

The regional director further added, inadequate or inaccurate information may lead to exploration and experimentation with risky behavior such as unprotected sex, drug use, alcohol, and bullying./DGB, WDJ

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