Celendro, A. A. (2017). Strengthening Sison youth organization to reduce high incidence rate of adolescent pregnancy in Sison, Surigao del Norte (Unpublished master's thesis). Graduate School of Public and Development Management, Development Academy of the Philippines.

Graduate School of Public and Development Management Health Systems and Development Batch 7 Thesis (MPM-HSD)--Development Academy of the Philippines.

An Action Plan Project (APP) was conducted to strengthen Sison Youth Organization to reduce high incidence of adolescent pregnancy in Sison Surigao del Lorte. The purpose of this study was to determine the current status of the Sison Youth Organization (SYO) as well as the demographic profile of the Sison Youth Organization (SYO) members including pregnant adolescents. Another aim was to identify factors that contribute to the high incidence of adolescent pregnancy and finally, the strategies to strengthen SYO to reduce high incidence of adolescent pregnancy in Sison, Surigao del Norte was investigated in the study. Qualitative descriptive method was applied in this study. Methodologies used for this APP included document revierw, observation, survey, focused group discussion and key informant interviews. A questionnaire was used to collect data from the members of the SYO to assess aspects such as demographic profile, factors contributing to adolescent pregnancy and strategies to strengthen the youth organization. Also, information obtained from the focused group discussion and survey questionnaire were utilized in formulating plans and strategies to strengthen SYO to reduce high incidence rate of adolescent pregnancy in the municipality. Survey forms were distributed to nurses under the Nurse Deployment Program of the Department of Health to 120 selected members of Sison Youth organization who consented to participate. The results of the study were that SYO members include all of the youth in the municipality because of mandatory membership with reference to the qualification. Activities and accomplishments of the organization are limited with insignificant existence of the organization. SYO members encompassed mainly of 15 year old members, mostly female and Catholics and at secondary level. Several factors strongly associated with and contributed to the increased risk of an early pregnancy were identified by the respondents such as family problems, peer pressure, lack of guidance, curiosity/vices, sexual/rape, social media, lack of contraceptives use, lack of knowledge, lack of self-esteem, poverty and engagement in early sexual intercourse. Identified strategies in strengthening SYO to address high incidence of adolescent pregnancy are the followong: 1.) Reformation of Sison Youth Organization, 2.) Involvement in the Expanded Local Health Board Committee Adolescent health advocacy campaign, 3.) Municipal Youth summit, 4.) Establishment of adolescent -friendly health environment, 5.) Training of selected peer educators and 6.) LGU budget allocations for youth programs One conclusion was that by strengthening the Sison Youth Organization through positive youth development approach in reducing high incidence rate of adolescent pregnancy in Sison, youth are now empowered in addressing adolescent pregnancy in the municipality.