Contemporary factors of teenage pregnancy in rural communities of Abia state, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Teenage pregnancy (TP) is a serious health problem world-wide which has grievous after effect on health of females. The study aims at identifying factors influencing TP in rural communities of Abia State – Nigeria. It also seeks to determine the current prevalence of TP.Methods:A household survey of 10 randomly selected communities was carried out using a multi-stage sampling method. A sample of 400 girls aged 11-19 years, was calculated from a population of 2505 girls enumerated from the 10 communities, using Lutz’s formula n = Z2pq/d2 as stated by Ejemot- Nwadiaro  Data were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire that was interviewer administered. Data were analyzed quantitatively using SPSS V20. Chi-Square statistic was used in determining statistical significance.Results: The prevalence of TP in this study was 49%. Factors identified to influence TP were broadly categorized into four: socio-demographic factors of teenage age P<0.05, marital status P<0.05, education P<0.05, employment P<0.05. Others were awareness factors P<0.05, parental factors P<0.05, teenage life style and societal factors P<0.05.Conclusions:Efforts to mitigate teenage pregnancy and its attendant public health and socio-economic problems should begin by proffering lasting and sustainable solutions to these identified factors.