The development of self-management behavior for adolescents on the prevention of unplanned pregnancy

Abstract

Background: Unplanned pregnancies often occur in adolescents. An effective solution to the problem requires the underlying causes to be identified and addressed directly.

Objectives: To develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a self-management behavior model for adolescents to prevent unplanned pregnancies.

Methods: This research and development study employed purposive sampling to select 40 Matthayom-1 students from schools under the Office of Secondary Education Service Area, Uthai Thani, Chainat, and local administrative organizations. The research instruments included a self-management behavior development model based on Kanfer and Gaelick-Bays’ Self-Management theory combined with Glasgow and colleagues’ 5A Behavior Change Technique. The model comprised teaching plans, manuals, behavioral record books, exams, and self-management behavior questionnaires. Data were analyzed using percentages, means, standard deviations, and t-tests.

Results: A self-management behavior development model was developed for adolescents to prevent unplanned pregnancy. The effectiveness of the model showed that students’ knowledge and understanding significantly improved after implementing the model (p < .05). Students demonstrated excellent self-management behaviors and expressed high to very high satisfaction with the model.

Conclusions: The development of self-management behaviors in adolescents to prevent unplanned pregnancies can be effectively achieved by providing adolescents with proper knowledge and closely monitoring them to ensure that they understand the self-management strategies. This approach enabled them to effectively manage themselves in preventing unplanned pregnancies.