FACTORS PREDICTING PREMATURE PREGNANCY PREVENTION BEHAVIOR OF HIGH SCHOOL FEMALE STUDENTS IN A SCHOOL IN PATHUM THANI PROVINCE

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the predictive factors for the premature pregnancy prevention behavior

in high school female students in a school.   

Design: Predictive Study 

Methods: The sample consisted of 120 high school female students aged between 15-19 years old. The research instruments were a general information questionnaire, the premature pregnancy prevention literacy questionnaire which consisted of six aspects, and the premature pregnancy prevention behavior questionnaire from Department of Health Service Support, Ministry of Public Health. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and stepwise multiple regression.

Results: The average age of the sample was 16.86 years old (SD = 0.97).  Their premature pregnancy prevention behavior was at a very good level (= 65.18, SD = 5.95). The results showed that only one variable, making the right decision, can significantly predict premature pregnancy prevention behavior (p<.05).

Conclusion: The research results provide useful information for preparing the potential of adolescents to have sufficient health literacy to make right decision in order to prevent premature pregnancy effectively.