Prevention and Solution of Adolescent Pregnancy Problem Act, B.E. 2559 (2016), Aspects on Awareness and Implementation

Abstract

Key issue for adolescent pregnancy management is the collaboration among government agencies which is due to lack of mechanisms and tools to work together. This affects the correction and prevention of adolescent pregnancy problems. Therefore, when the government promulgated the Prevention and Solution of The Adolescent Pregnancy Problem Act, B.E. 2559, it was considered to be instrumental step in addressing the problem of adolescent pregnancy. The objectives of this research are to explore (1) aspects of awareness on the Prevention and Solution of the Adolescent Pregnancy Problem Act, B.E. 2559 (2) guidelines for implementation of the Prevention and Solution of the Adolescent Pregnancy Problem Act, B.E. 2559. Research methodology used in this research is mixed methods. The research found that public health workers which includes officers, volunteers, and youth leaders have low level of awareness on the Act and do not have sufficient skilled in executing the Act. It is also found that factors associating with the awareness and implementation of the Prevention and Solution of the Adolescent Pregnancy Problem Act, B.E. 2559 are satisfaction of the public health workers with job responsibility about adolescent pregnancy; length of time working on the issue; means of awareness accumulation through different media such as TV, radio and conference participation. The recommendations, as a solution, derived from the research are following: (1) raise awareness and understanding that the Act is a mechanism that supports network integration; (2) create a system for monitoring adolescent problems closely; and (3) develop mechanisms that support the implementation of the Act. Such mechanisms may include empowering both public health workers and target groups, gathering social support from general public, encouraging participatory process among public health workers and target groups, building new partnerships by establishing a mission to integrate the implementation of the Act as well as urging the prevention and correction of adolescent pregnancy problems effectively.