The Effects of Life Skills Promotion Program to Prevention Unwanted Pregnancy Behaviors in Junior High School at Kwaosinarin District, Surin Province

Abstract

This research is a quasi-experimental study aimed at evaluating the effects of a life skills enhancement program combined with social support on pregnancy prevention behaviors among lower secondary school students in Surin Province. The study applies life skills concepts by integrating self-efficacy theory with support. The sample was divided into two groups: the experimental group and the control group. The experimental group consisted of 41 lower secondary school students from a high school in Khwao Sinarin District, who received the life skills enhancement program for 12 weeks. The control group consisted of 41 lower secondary school students from a high school in Chom Phra District, who received the regular program for the same duration. The research was conducted over 12 weeks. Data were analyzed and presented using statistical methods such as frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, demographic data, and comparative statistics to assess the differences in life skills scores and pregnancy prevention behaviors between the experimental and control groups. The paired t-test and independent t-test were used to compare the mean differences in life skills scores and pregnancy prevention behaviors between the two groups.

   The research results showed that the experimental group had an increase in behavioral skills scores from (Mean=10.20 S.D. =4.33) to (Mean=14.80 S.D. =2.12) and after the experiment, the score differences in all aspects were higher than before the experiment and higher than the comparison group, with statistical significance at the 0.05 level. This indicates that the program is effective in influencing pregnancy prevention behaviors among lower secondary school students. Therefore, the program should be expanded to cover target students and other areas with similar contexts.