Date of Conferral

2021

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

Jennifer Oliphant

Abstract

AbstractTeen pregnancy (TP) is a social and public health problem around the world. In developed nations, approximately 16 million girls from aged 15 to 19 years become pregnant each year, presenting health problems for the mother and fetus in addition to economic and social consequences for the communities in which they live. The purpose of this quantitative causal-comparative study, based on the theory of planned behavior, was to explore the association of academic performance and self-efficacy with TP. The research questions examined the association between the TP and the academic performance and self-efficacy while controlling for two covariates (socioeconomic status and ethnicity). A survey was distributed to a sample of participants in the Ivory Coast, ages 18 and 19 years, to collect data on demographics, academic performances, self-efficacy, and socioeconomic status. One group of participants consisted of teens who became pregnant while in school during 2017-2019; a second group included participants who did not become pregnant while in school. Analysis consisting of t test, Chi-Square, and generalized linear modeling (GLM) revealed significant differences in academic performance and self-efficacy for students based on pregnancy status. Socioeconomic status and ethnicity did not exert meaningful influence on these relationships. This study enables a basic understanding of teen pregnancy and associated factors in the Ivory Coast to guide policy change and future research. Further knowledge regarding the outcomes of teen pregnancy can allow leaders and health professionals to take steps to eliminate this public health problem, resulting in positive outcomes for women in the Ivory Coast and healthier families and communities.

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