Adolescents Perception of Contributory Factors and Prevention of Teenage Pregnancy in a Semi-Urban Local Government in South West Nigeria

Abstract

Pregnancy before the age of 20 years is termed Teenage Pregnancy. Although teenage pregnancy is a global phenomenon, it is more prevalent in the low and mid income countries. However, there is a dearth of literature on qualitative assessment of this condition especially among non-pregnant teenagers. This study therefore sets out to document the perception of contributory factors and suggestions for prevention of Teenage Pregnancy based on a focus group discussion with teenagers in semi-urban local government in South West Nigeria. This study was cross sectional descriptive qualitative study that involved 29 adolescents in a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) within a semi-urban local government in South West Nigeria. The male female ratio was1:1.07. Age range of the participants was 11 to 19 years mean 15:76+2:85 years. The discussion in each group was 20-50 minutes. The thematic phenomenological approach was used in the analysis of the transcripts. Teenage Pregnancy  was common in the communities. Peer influence, lack of parental control due to poverty, lack of education and negligence, inadequate government support for  education and lack of motivation in the girl child were identified by the girls as contributory factors to teenage pregnancy. Female empowerment, government support for girl child education and appropriate reward for moral and academic excellence were recommended to ensure the girl child remain focused

Key words: Teenage Pregnancy, Nigeria, Semi-Urban, Qualitative Study