Cometa-Gellada, J. (2018). I am for H.O.P.E (harmonized and optimistic program enhancement): Implementing strategies on health and social concerns among Indigent teenage mother in Miagao, Iloilo (Unpublished master's thesis).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 1 - Regular Thesis (MPM-HSD)--Development Academy of the Philippines.

This participatory action research determined and described the needs of the thirty seven (37) indigent teenage mothers in Miagao, Iloilo as basis to implement an innovative program adapting strategies on their health and social concerns. This study sought answers the demographic profile of the indigent teenage mothers and the contributing factors to their pregnancy, the current services offered by the LGU for teenage mothers and the strategies and policies to be adapted in order to improve the quality of life of teenage mothers. This study use both quantitative and qualitative methods. Initially, the Municipal Health Office staff conducted a survey using a questionnaire. The focus group discussion made use of guide questions. The FGD was attended by the stakeholders. In the focus group discussion, there was a review of the LGU services available for teenage mothers. The teenage mothers have high maternal self-efficacy and that they are in distress, this is statistically correlated with both their stress level and general well-being. Despite high maternal efficacy the teenage mothers have educational, livelihood, health, and personal needs not only for themselves but for their children. Capacity and capability building endeavors are indicated to empower them as majority of the teenage mothers have expressed their need for assistance. The current LGU services available for teenage mothers from the health office are as follows: health advocacy on Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning with free FP services, free essential medicines for mothers and their children, free ambulance service for emergency cases and referral, free oral health services, free prenatal vitamins, tetanus toxoid immunization. The MSWD services are youth development sessions and counseling. Despite high maternal efficacy the teenage mothers have educational, livelihood, health, and personal needs not only for themselves but for their children. Capacity and capability building endeavors are indicated to empower them. The researcher recommended the full implementation of the I am for HOPE as a special project for teenage mothers using a holistic approach which should include better health services, techno-vocational skills training and job placement or entrepreneurial opportunities, psychosocial support, life skills (personal, social skills and spiritual development), and education.