Looking Through the Eyes of Male Adolescents: Making Rational Decisions on Teenage Pregnancy Based on Role of Responsibility, Social Influences, and Consequence Awareness

Abstract

Lack of awareness of teenage pregnancy among male adolescents is a global concern. I explored the perceptions of male adolescents towards teenage pregnancy. I used a qualitative descriptive research design and interviewed 10 purposively selected participants. Using thematic analysis, I found that male adolescents perceive teenage pregnancy as a burdened responsibility with significant emotional and financial demands, and as a broader social issue beyond individual concern. Family upbringing, peer influence, and social expectations shape their perceptions, highlighting the importance of parental guidance and open communication. Adolescents recognize the consequences of early pregnancy and the role of social institutions in guiding their values and behaviors. These factors collectively influence rational decision-making, encouraging maturity and thoughtful choices in relationships. Promotion of awareness that teenage pregnancy is a burdened responsibility influenced by social factors and consequences, through informed decision-making, open communication, and inclusive educational initiatives, is encouraged. Future research may include exploratory factor analysis, multiple linear regression, and case studies on teenage pregnancy to examine further and strengthen the understanding of adolescent decision-making and behaviors related to teenage pregnancy