Submission ID 129798
| Issue/Objective | Background of the study: Teenage pregnancy remains a persistent public health challenge in Nigeria and its reflects deeper structural and social inequities, particularly in underserved communities. It contributes to adverse health outcomes and reinforces economic inequities. Despite ongoing interventions, its prevalence remains high, underscoring gaps in prevention strategies. Objective of the study: This study examined the prevalence, determinants, perceived consequences, and preventive strategies of teenage pregnancy among adolescents in Oda, Ondo State, Nigeria, with a focus on informing equity-driven interventions. |
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| Methodology/Approach | A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed. Data were collected from 331 adolescents using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize findings, while chi-square tests were conducted to examine associations between variables at a 0.05 level of significance. |
| Results | Findings showed that 37.2% of respondents had experienced at least one pregnancy, indicating a high prevalence. Major contributing factors included lack of comprehensive sexuality education, peer pressure, limited access to contraceptives, and media influence. The most commonly reported consequences were school dropout, followed by social stigma, health complications, economic hardship, and poor parenting capacity. A statistically significant relationship was found between socio-economic factors and teenage pregnancy (p < 0.05). Respondents identified key preventive measures, including improved access to comprehensive sexuality education, enhanced parental guidance, and availability of adolescent-friendly reproductive health services. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | Implications: Findings support the need for policies that prioritize adolescent health equity through education, health system strengthening, and community engagement. Conclusion: Teenage pregnancy in the study area is driven by underlying socio-economic vulnerabilities and gaps in reproductive health education. Addressing this issue requires integrated, multi-sectoral interventions involving families, schools, health systems, and policy actors to promote health equity and improve adolescent outcomes. |
| Presenters and Affiliations | Folakemi Kayode-ojo National Open University of Nigeria Folakemi Kayode-ojo National Open University of Nigeria Olukayode Ojo Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria |
