Development of an Integrated Strategy for Preventing and Addressing Teenage Pregnancy in Chonburi Province.

Abstract

     This action research aimed to analyze the situation and needs for developing a multi-sectoral strategy for preventing and solving adolescent pregnancy problems in Chon Buri Province. The study consisted of four phases: 1) situational analysis through in-depth interviews with stakeholders, followed by SWOT and TOWS analysis; 2) drafting strategic proposals using a two-round Delphi Future Research (DFR) process with 17 experts (with a consensus criterion of Median ≥ 4.00 and IQR ≤ 1.50); 3) a policy meeting to endorse the strategic proposals; and 4) translating the plan into actionable items to be integrated with the annual work plans of partner agencies for fiscal years 2026–2027.

     The findings revealed that the core issues of adolescent pregnancy stemmed from a lack of proper sexuality education, social stigma, and a lack of data integration among relevant agencies. The key strength identified was the capacity of local administrative organizations to provide financial support. Based on the DFR process, seven core strategies were proposed and endorsed: 1) establishing a central coordination and data integration center; 2) enhancing youth-friendly health services; 3) building proactive collaboration networks for positive communication; 4) promoting the use of modern media platforms and online counseling services; 5) strengthening comprehensive sexuality education and life skills by integrating them into local and educational development plans; 6) developing specialized expert counselors; and 7) establishing a holistic support and protection system for adolescent mothers. The provincial sub-committee endorsed the strategic proposals and translated them into concrete action plans, including quarterly data integration meetings, the creation of a dedicated website and dashboard, conducting surveys on the needs of adolescent mothers, and integrating the promotion of social welfare benefits post-delivery at hospitals.