Perception of Adolescents in Secondary School in a Rural Community in Southwest Nigeria towards Teenage Pregnancy

Ajewole, I.C.C. and Fasoro, A.A. and Oluwadare, T and Agboola, A.A. and Asubiojo, E.A. (2017) Perception of Adolescents in Secondary School in a Rural Community in Southwest Nigeria towards Teenage Pregnancy. SAS Journal of Medicine, 3 (2). pp. 1-7. ISSN 2454-5112

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Abstract

Unintended pregnancy among female adolescents is a global phenomenon and remains a significant problem. It occurs in both developed and developing nations but with variations in degree and consequences on the social factors involved. Globally, sub-Saharan Africa ranks highest in teenage pregnancy and lowest in contraceptive use. Recent estimates by World Health Organization show that 16 million girls aged between 15 and 19 give birth every year. In Nigeria nearly one-quarter (23%) of adolescent girls are already mothers or pregnant with their first child. The aim of this study was to determine the perception of adolescents in secondary school towards the prevention of teenage pregnancy. Some factors perceived by the students to influence teenage pregnancy include family type (73.9%), religion (73.9%), peer pressure (88.7%), and poverty (83.7%). The students also believed teenage pregnancy brings disgrace (78.8%), prevents one from finishing school education (83.7%) and could lead to abortion (73.9%). Students perceived that parents have a role to play in preventing teenage pregnancy by monitoring their children’s movement (69%), give sex education (70.4%) and know their children’s friends (69%). They also agree that teenagers too can prevent early pregnancy by not having premarital sex (76.3%), travel in groups to avoid sexual harassment (78.8%) and make their movements known (59.1%). Sex education that is responsible and medically accurate both in school and at home is important in the prevention of teenage pregnancy. Increased uptake and use of contraception will also help to reduce teenage pregnancy.

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