Gender Disparity and Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Adolescents in Northern Nigeria

Abstract

This paper gives insights into the adolescents' socio-economic and demographic compositions and brings to limelight the various issues that affect their wellbeing. It also provides available data that can be translated into meaningful information which can be used to establish guidelines for the development of appropriate policies and programmes for the welfare of adolescents. The present study was conducted in three states in North-Western Zone of Nigeria, namely Kaduna, Kano and Katsina. These states have the highest total percentage of teenagers who have begun child bearing in the North-West zone, more than half of the total projected population of the zone and about 60% of the total projected population of teenagers age 12-19 in the zone. Questions relating to use of methods of contraception were also asked. Data on knowledge and use of contraceptive methods are central to demographic analysis particularly fertility phenomenon. This study highlighted the immediate need for a concerted effort towards solving the several problems confronting the adolescents in northern Nigeria.