The effect of teenage pregnancy on adolescents in amassoma community of Southern Ijaw local Government Area of Bayelsa State

Abstract

The study investigated the effect of teenage pregnancy among youths in Amassoma community (university town) in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design involving 1000 youths. Three research questions were raised. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data collected. The results revealed that the age at which teenagers engage in sexual intercourse is too early, that low socio-economic status, cultural factors, permissiveness of parents, drop in moral values, and teenagers' sexual behaviours are causes of teenage pregnancy. Also that school dropout, low self esteem, unemployment and early parenthood were effect of teenage pregnancy. Based on the findings, recommendations and implications for counseling were made.