Adolescent pregnancy at school. A view from Physical Education

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the perception and interaction of Physical Education (PE) teachers with pregnant students in the Physical Education and Health (PE&H) class. Methods: 60 PE teachers who taught PE&H classes to pregnant students voluntarily answered a questionnaire. The instrument was specially designed for this research and validated by expert judgment. The study had a quantitative approach with non-probability sampling. The analysis included descriptive analysis and Pearson's Chi-square test (p < .05). Results: 90% of the teachers surveyed affirm that PE&H class can help the newborn's good embryonic development and health. However, they also state that only 58.3% of students with adolescent pregnancy at the school stage receive PE&H classes. At the same time, 31.6% of PE teachers who have taught courses to pregnant adolescents claim not to have the necessary skills to carry out these activities. Conclusions: At the end of the study, low participation of pregnant adolescents in PE&H classes is evident. However, PE teachers consider that PE&H classes during pregnancy contribute to good embryonic development and the newborn's health and do not generate risks for the fetus and the pregnant adolescent. Finally, PE teachers perceive that they can lead PE&H classes during pregnancy.