Coping with pregnancy in an academic environment in the Bono Region

Abstract

The study focused on how tertiary students cope with pregnancy in an academic environment in the Bono Region. A quantitative approach was used to collect in-depth information for the study. A convenience sampling technique method was employed to select the students from each class. A total of 50 respondents were sampled for the study. The data for the study was collected by administering the questionnaire to the participants.The study found that respondents indicated that pregnancy has negative effect on academic life of students 96% (48), forced to defer courses were 94% (47), those who said studying becomes difficult when pregnant in school were 94% (47) and the respondents who said missing lectures due to ANC visits could result in poor academic outcomes were 84% (42). Pregnant students sometimes get mocked by students at school, 32% (16) of the respondents rated scale five, 28% (14) rated scale four, 18% (9) rated scale one, 12% (6) rated scale two and 10% (5) rated scale three. When probed about the sense of belonging when pregnant among peers, 24% (12) rated scale one, 22% (11) rated scale four, 20% (10) rated scale three,18% (9) rated scale two and 16% (8) rated scale five.The study recommended that the fertility awareness should be created or be intensive. Female students who become pregnant are to be supported in school (physically, psychologically, spiritually).The study concluded that the school environment is a fertile area to promote pregnancy. Our induction concluded that their feelings are tempered with in school. The study concluded that their schooling and academic performance were affected negatively.