HOW DO TEENAGERS IN RURAL REGIONS FEEL ABOUT PREMARITAL TEEN PREGNANCY?

Abstract Cases of premarital teenage pregnancy are increasing both in the world and Indonesia. The determinants of premarital teenage pregnancy are due to increased risk of sexual behaviour, high teenage curiosity, low understanding of premarital teenage pregnancy, and adolescent permissive attitudes towards sexuality. This study uses a qualitative design. The selection of research subjects is carried out by purposive sampling. The results of the study were that category I and II informants already had enough knowledge about the process of pregnancy, the impact of premarital teenage pregnancy, the causes of teenage pregnancy, the form of risk sexual behavior and the form of prevention of teenage pregnancy. Meanwhile, category III informants lack understanding related to the process of pregnancy and forms of risky sexual behaviour. Category I and II informants consider that premarital teenage pregnancy cases are significant to get immediate follow-up from schools and parents because it can damage the good name of the family and the future. Meanwhile, category III informants consider that the case of premarital teenage pregnancy is not a serious problem as long as both parties feel together.