The Critical Participatory Action Research for Unwanted Pregnancy Prevention of At-risk Youth in Nakhonnayok Rayong and Samut Sakhorn Provinces
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Abstract
Unintended teenage pregnancy remains a major public health issue in Thailand, affecting adolescents’ physical, mental, and social well-being, as well as the long-term quality of the population. Despite ongoing preventive measures, the rates of repeat pregnancy and risky sexual behaviors among adolescents remain high, particularly in areas with limited access to education and comprehensive sexuality information. In response to this situation, the present study aimed to enhance knowledge, understanding, positive attitudes, and self-protection from risky sexual behaviors, as well as to modify sexual health, reproductive health behaviors, and communication skills among at-risk adolescents. This was achieved through a Critical Participatory Action Research (CPAR) process conducted in three provinces: Nakhon Nayok, Rayong, and Samut Sakhon. the study involved 73 co-researchers (adolescents, parents, teachers, and media representatives) in the initial theory-building phase, followed by 135 youth leaders and 306 practitioners in two action research cycles. Key findings from the theory-building phase revealed that adolescents obtained sexual health information primarily from peers and online sources, with fear of pregnancy being a significant prevention motivator. Some parents and teachers also held misconceptions that sex education could encourage experimentation. In the action research phase, youth leaders significantly improved their media production skills, creating nine quality pieces that positively impacted the knowledge, attitudes, feelings, and behaviors of 135 adolescents across the three provinces. The research concludes that the CPAR approach, by emphasizing cultural specificity and community participation-particularly empowering adolescents to create their own media-serves as effective strategy for promoting sexual literacy and reducing risky behaviors.
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