The Prevalence And Determinant Of Teenage Pregnancy And Illicit Abortion Among Adolescent Girls

The Prevalence And Determinant Of Teenage Pregnancy And Illicit Abortion Among Adolescent Girls
Abstract
The study examined the prevalence and determinant of teenage pregnancy and illicit abortion among adolescent girls using selected secondary schools in Abakaliki as case study. Three research questions were formulated to guide the study. The sample size consisted of 119 teachers in the selected secondary schools in Abakaliki who were randomly selected. The statistical methods adopted were descriptive statistics. The major findings were; lack of health counseling will significantly cause the prevalence of teenage pregnancy and illicit abortion among the secondary school female students in Abakaliki; Attitude of parents significantly cause the prevalence of teenage pregnancy and illicit abortion among secondary school female students in Abakaliki; Broken homes or divorce significantly cause the prevalence of teenage pregnancy and illicit abortion among the secondary school female students in Abakaliki; and lack of sex education will cause the prevalence of teenage pregnancy and illicit abortion among the secondary school female students in Abakaliki. The following recommendations were made among others; Sensitization programs should be initiated by relevant bodies to educate the populace on the impact of teenage pregnancies. Furthermore, Sex and Contraceptive education should be introduced in secondary schools. More-so, policies that facilitate better health care services for teenagers should be deployed by government and non-government organizations.
Table of Content
- Title Page
- Certification
- Dedication
- Acknowledgement
- Table of Content
- List of Tables
- Abstract
Chapter One:
Introduction
- 1.1 Background of the Study
- 1.2 Statement of the Problem
- 1.3 Objective of the Study
- 1.4 Research Questions
- 1.5 Research Hypothesis
- 1.6 Significance of the Study
- 1.7 Scope of the Study
- 1.8 Limitation of the Study
- 1.9 Definition of Terms
- 1.10 Organisations of the Study
Chapter Two:
Review of Literature
- 2.1 Conceptual Framework
- 2.2 Theoretical Framework
- 2.3 Empirical Review
Chapter Three:
Research Methodology
- 3.1 Research Design
- 3.2 Population of the Study
- 3.3 Sample Size Determination
- 3.4 Sample Size Selection Technique and Procedure
- 3.5 Research Instrument and Administration
- 3.6 Method of Data Collection
- 3.7 Method of Data Analysis
- 3.8 Validity of the Study
- 3.9 Reliability of the Study
- 3.10 Ethical Consideration
Chapter Four:
Data Presentation and Analysis
- 4.1 Data Presentation
- 4.2 Analysis of Data
- 4.3 Answering Research Questions
- 4.4 Test of Hypotheses
Chapter Five:
Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation
- 5.1 Summary
- 5.2 Conclusion
- 5.3 Recommendation
- References
- APPENDIX
- QUESTIONNAIRE
Chapter One
Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
Unintended pregnancy is a pregnancy that is either mistimed or unwanted at the time of conception. It is a core concept in understanding the fertility of populations and the unmet need for contraception. Unintended pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of morbidity for women, and with health behaviours during pregnancy that are associated with adverse effects. For example, women with an unintended pregnancy may delay prenatal care, which may affect the health of the infant. Women of all ages may have unintended pregnancies, but some groups, such as teens, are at a higher risk.
The use of modern contraceptive methods has greatly reduced the incidence of unintended pregnancy, particularly in more developed countries and provision of family planning services and modern contraceptives to those who do not have access to them would prevent a large proportion of unintended pregnancies and abortions, as well as many maternal and infant deaths. It is reported that despite of the availability of different modern methods of contraceptives, ranging from short, long term to permanent methods, as well as natural methods of contraception, the problem of unwanted pregnancies is very big worldwide but still underreported in many communities due to its sensitive nature. This is so said due to the high incidence of pregnancy termination which contributes to high maternal mortality and morbidity. About 80 million of unintended pregnancies are estimated to occur worldwide annually. In developing countries more than one-third of all pregnancies are considered unintended and about 19% will end up in abortion, which are most often unsafe accounting for 13% of all maternal death globally (Guttmacher institute 2007, Marston 2014).
The word Teenage refers to both male and female between the ages thirteen and nineteen (13-19years). Under the American social norm, such teenagers are not regarded as matured. Although physiologically, they look like adults and so they engage in acts of sexual intercourse with members of opposite sex. This behavior poses a great challenge to health services, since sex at this tender age exposes them to a lot of risks, such as teenage pregnancy.
This was informed by Awake (2015) when the publisher put forward that moral decadence among our youths is assuming alarming proportion in Nigeria today, day after day, month after month and year after year, crime rates are mounting by leaps and bound.
Teenage pregnancy has become serious public health problem particularly in the developing countries and researches that have been conducted have shown that it has been on the increase. Research conducted also shows that teenage pregnancy poses health problem in developed countries like America.
Corry and Cray (2013) supported the notion that schools should teach health education and in addition identify the current problems such as sexual transmitted diseases, which is usually followed by pregnancy among teenagers. The role of school and home towards sex education has been a controversial issue. Mooney (1975) and Fakunle (1986) have conducted a research holding that teenagers learn about sex from peer and literature and much of the information so obtained is inadequate and inaccurate. (Oladapo and Akintayo 2012). Sex is glamorized in books, televisions and movies. This places greater responsibilities on young persons to maintain a standard of conduct that will give greatest happiness both now and in the future. The standard of conduct required by adolescent is better started at home. Turner 1979.
Mooney (1975) writing on schools, responsibilities of both school and parents opined that parent’s primary role is to set behavior limits for their own children. Fakunle (1986) further asserted that in the early stages of personality development must be encouraged at home particularly sexual knowledge knowing how they function and sexual changes fully enjoyed. Marjorie (1979) and Thomas (1979) points out that teenage pregnancy and the inherent abortion are not without their social effects. It is uncommon in some societies to attach a terrible stigma to girls who are pregnant or have probably committed abortions, such girls and their families are usually the talk of the town by the society, the girls are sometimes ridiculed, characterized and insulted by people around them and comrades at schools, teachers do not look at them with favor, nearly one million of these adolescents age 15-19years becomes pregnant in United State yearly and a20,000 pregnancy occur out of wedlock and are unintended.
According to Barbana (1988), Adolescence is by definition on unstable time during which teenagers need structure as well as the opportunity to become more independent are given responsibilities and challenges to face, they need the ability to imagine their futures and skills to set reasonable goals for their personal growth.
Teenage pregnancy is technical defined as occurring when women under the age of twenty become pregnant, although in the United States, the term usually refers to girls younger than 18 of age. During both physical and medical concerns, problem of teenage pregnancy and child bearing arise from individual, familiar and social factors, these include but are not limited to culture, religion, cultural value and belief, law, education, economic circumstances, lack of support structures such as finding access health care, contraception and other resources and mental and emotional well being condom (2002).
Data supporting teem pregnancy as a social issues in developed countries include lower educational levels, higher rates of poverty and other poorer ‘life outcomes’ in children of teenage mother.
Teenage pregnancy in developed countries are usually outside of marriage and for this reason, it carries a social stigma in many communities and countries. Some teenage pregnancies in developed countries are usually outside of marriage and for this reason it carries a social stigma in many communities and countries. Some teenage pregnancy occurs as a result of young women’s sexual in experience and an inadequate understanding of their reproductive matters and access to contraception are necessary to prevent unintended teenage pregnancies and childbearing. Not all teenagers’ pregnancies are unplanned, however a survey of 589 pregnant western Australian Adolescents (12-17) reported that 17% started that they planned to (Corkindale, 2002).
Adolescents of information and access informational services have been compounded by government restriction and social hypocritical disapproval of adolescent sexuality and contraceptive use. There is a wish to prevent sexual intercourse from taking place among young unmarried adolescents with consequent moral structural segregation of boys and girls, the threat of punishment if found on the other hand, there is a wish to prevent the consequences such as the spread of AIDS, unwanted pregnancies and emotional trauma, within intercourse does take place. The prize is the provision of effective, safe and adolescent friendly sexual health information and services censes. (Corkindale 2002).
1.2. Statement of the Problem
Teenage pregnancy is on the increase at an alarming rate among female students in Nigeria, which has generated a lot of concern to most individuals, families and the society. It is also one of the serious social health problems which is gradually gaining ground and spreading which is now in the whole wide world.
Studies had shown that teenagers are bound to have its share on this health problem. Therefore, the need for this study is to investigate into the causes and prevalence of teenage pregnancy among secondary school female students in Abakaliki. This will help in a great deal to expose these students to information that deal to expose these students to information that will in turn enable them to make informed decisions about their social health.
1.3 Objective of the Study
The general aim of the study is to examine the prevalence and determinant of teenage pregnancy and illicit abortion among adolescent girls. The study will further and specifically outline the health counseling be the cause of prevalence of teenage pregnancy among female students.
1.4. Research Questions
This research shall attempt to find answers to the following questions.
- Will lack of the health counseling be the cause of prevalence of teenage pregnancy and illicit abortion among secondary school female students in Abakaliki?
- Will lack of mass media be the cause of prevalence of teenage pregnancy and illicit abortion among the secondary school female student in Abakaliki?
- Will altitude of parents be the cause of prevalence of teenage pregnancy and illicit abortion among the secondary school female students in Abakaliki?
- Will broken home or divorce be the cause of prevalence of teenage pregnancy and illicit abortion among the secondary school female students in Abakaliki?
- Will lack of sex education be the cause of prevalence of teenage pregnancy and illicit abortion among the secondary school female students in Abakaliki?
- Will peer pressure be the cause of prevalence of teenage pregnancy and illicit abortion among the secondary school female students in Abakaliki?
1.5. Research Hypothesis
The following hypothesis will therefore be tested:
- Lack of health counseling will not be a significant cause of prevalence of teenage pregnancy and illicit abortion among the secondary school female students in Abakaliki.
- Mass media will not be a significant cause of prevalence of teenage pregnancy and illicit abortion among secondary school female students in Abakaliki.
- Attitude of parents will not be a significant cause of the prevalence of teenage pregnancy and illicit abortion among secondary school female students in Abakaliki.
- Broken homes or divorce will not be a significant cause of prevalence of teenage pregnancy and illicit abortion among the secondary school female students in Abakaliki.
1.6. Significance of the Study.
This study will provide useful information to parents on how to educate their children and solve their sexual health and reproductive problems. Furthermore, the health counselor may acquire sufficient factual information’s in establishing meaningful information with teenage clients and the community in order to reduce teenage pregnancies in secondary schools.
The study may serve has a spring for future similar research efforts.
1.7. Scope of the Study
This research work would focus mainly on five (5) secondary schools in Abakaliki, Ebonyi. The study is limited to some selected Secondary Schools in the area. Hence, the respondents for this study will be obtained from and among secondary school students in the study area.
1.8. Limitation of the Study
The following limitations might be encountered in the study;
- Failure to return all completed questionnaires.
- Irregular completion of the questionnaire which might lead to rejection.
All these limitations will be taken care of by ensuring that sufficient numbers of questionnaires are ready for analysis.
1.9. Definition of Terms
Adolescence:
This is a period of life beginning with the appearance of secondary sex characteristic and terminating with the cessation of somatic growth roughly from 11 to 19 years of age.
Teenager:
Age of 13 to 19 years.
Puberty:
Adolescence age when secondary sex characteristics, that is breast, public hair develops.
Teenage Pregnancy:
When teenager becomes pregnant.
1.10 Organization of the Study
This research work is organized in five chapters, for easy understanding, as follows.
- Chapter one is concern with the introduction, which consist of the (overview, of the study), historical background, statement of problem, objectives of the study, research hypotheses, significance of the study, scope and limitation of the study, definition of terms and historical background of the study.
- Chapter two highlights the theoretical framework on which the study is based, thus the review of related literature.
- Chapter three deals on the research design and methodology adopted in the study.
- Chapter four concentrate on the data collection and analysis and presentation of finding.
- Chapter five gives summary, conclusion, and recommendations made of the study.
Chapter Five
Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations:
5.1 Introduction
This chapter summarizes the findings on the prevalence and factors associated with teenage pregnancy and illicit abortion among secondary school female students using selected secondary schools in Abakaliki as case study. The chapter consists of summary of the study, conclusions, and recommendations.
5.2 Summary of the Study
In this study, our focus was on the the prevalence and factors associated with teenage pregnancy and illicit abortion among secondary school female students using selected secondary schools in Abakaliki as case study. The study is was specifically set to outline the major causes of teenage pregnancy and illicit abortion.
The study adopted the survey research design and randomly enrolled participants in the study. A total of 100 responses were validated from the enrolled participants where all respondent are teachers in the selected secondary schools in Abakaliki.
5.3 Conclusion
In the light of the analysis carried out, the following conclusions were drawn.
- Lack of health counseling will significantly cause the prevalence of teenage pregnancy and illicit abortion among the secondary school female students in Abakaliki
- Mass media significantly contribute to the prevalence of teenage pregnancy and illicit abortion among secondary school female students in Abakaliki.
- Attitude of parents significantly cause the prevalence of teenage pregnancy and illicit abortion among secondary school female students in Abakaliki.
- Broken homes or divorce significantly cause the prevalence of teenage pregnancy and illicit abortion among the secondary school female students in Abakaliki.
- Lack of sex education will cause the prevalence of teenage pregnancy and illicit abortion among the secondary school female students in Abakaliki.
- Peer pressure will cause the prevalence of teenage pregnancy and illicit abortion among the secondary school female students in Abakaliki.
5.4 Recommendations
Based on the findings the researcher recommends;
- Sensitization programs should be initiated by relevant bodies to educate the populace on the impact of teenage pregnancies.
- Psychological help should be provided to students in secondary to help them deal with pressures of peers and societal stigmatization.
- Sex and Contraceptive education should be introduced in secondary schools.
- Policies that facilitate better health care services for teenagers should be deployed by government and non-government organizations.
- Policies that encourage secondary school enrolment should be introduced by policy makers.
- Government and non-governmental organizations should make contraceptive services easily accessible and affordable.
- Policies should be introduced to permit teenage mothers to remain in secondary school education.

The Complete Material Will Be Sent to You in Just 2 Steps
Quick & Simple…
![]()
Make Payment (Through Transfer) of ₦6,500 to the Account Below
![]() | Acc No: 0811003731 |
| Samphina Academy | |
| Current Account |
Or CLICK HERE To Pay With Debit Card
| FOR STUDENTS OUTSIDE NIGERIA | |
| CLICK HERE To Pay With Card ($15) | |
| FOR GHANA STUDENTS (GHS 100) | |
![]() | MTN MoMo |
| 0553978005 | |
| Douglas Osabutey | |
![]()
Send the Following Details on WhatsApp ( 07062590260 ) After Payment
- Payment Details
- TOPIC: The Prevalence And Determinant Of Teenage Pregnancy And Illicit Abortion Among Adolescent Girls
The Complete Material Will Be Sent To You On WhatsApp After Receiving Your Details
T & C Apply
Students Review
List of Related Works
Knowledge, Attitudes And Perceptions Of Adolescent Girls Towards Prevention Of Unintended Pregnancy
Adolescent Girls Attitude And Knowledge Towards Prevention Of Unwanted Pregnancy In Warri Metropolis
Causes, Consequences And Implications Of Criminal Abortion Among Adolescent Girls (10-19Yrs)
Assessment Of Knowledge, Attitudes, And Practices Of Menstrual Hygiene Among Adolescent Girls
Problem Of Pregnancy And Abortion On Girl Child Education In Nigeria
An Assessment On The Prevalence Of Abortion Among Teenage Girls
Causes Of Abortion And Its Implications Among Women In Ezinihitte Mbaise
Causes And Effect Of Abortion Amongst Women Of Reproductive Age
Compilation Of Bibliography On Abortion In Nigeria (2009-2012)
Teenage Pregnancy And Its Effects On Academics
Perceived Risk Behaviors Related To Teenage Pregnancy Among Senior Students
Teenage Pregnancy And The Role Of A Nurse In The Prevention Of The Menace
Factor Promoting Teenage Pregnancy
Sex Education And Prevention Of Unwanted Pregnancy Among Teenage Girl In Choba Community
Effect Of Foreign Films On Teenagers’ Moral Conduct
Awareness On The Complication Of Abortion Among Teenagers In Ijebu-Igbo Communities
The Increase In Sexual Abuse And Unwanted Pregnancies Among Teenagers
Media Exposure And The Political Socialization Of Teenagers In Caleb University
The Incidence Of Drug Abuse Among Teenagers In Rumuogba Community, Obio-Akpor Lga Rivers State
The Effect Of Foreign Home Video Films On Nigerian Teenagers
The Implication Of Teenager Exposure To Internet Pornography In Osogbo Osun State
Impact Of Violent Video Games On Behaviour Of Teenagers
Attitude Of Teenagers To English Language In Ado Local Government Area, Ekiti State
An Examination Of The Effects Of Television Violence On The Behaviour Of Teenagers
The Effects Of Prunus Dulcis Meal On Hormones In Adult Female Rat
Prevalence Of Hepatitis Virus Infection Among Women Of Reproductive Age In Eziobodo Community
The Impact Of Ectopic Gestation On Maternal Mortality In Oredo Local Government, Edo State
Determinants Of Exclusive Breastfeeding Practice Amongst Female Police Officers In Rivers State



