Title:
Factors Influencing Adolescent Pregnancy in the Upper East Region of Ghana
Authors:
Babae, Priscilla Mary Ntim
Place:
Amsterdam
Publisher:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute [etc.]
Year:
2017
PAGE:
viii, 41
Language:
En
Subject:
Maternal Health – Lessons Learned
Keywords:
Adolescent/Teenage Pregnancy, Sexual and Reproductive Health, individual factors, Environmental factors, Upper East Region
Abstract:
Background: Adolescent pregnancy is the second cause of death among adolescents and remains the major contributor to maternal mortality globally. Adolescent pregnancy continues to be a major problem especially in the Upper East Region (UER) of Ghana, where prevalence is higher than the national figure. This thesis seeks to assess the factors influencing adolescent pregnancy in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Methodology: The conceptual framework of adolescent sexual reproductive health by Awusabo-Asare et al., 2006 was used. Qualitative, quantitative and mixed method literature were reviewed from Upper East Region Ghana and Sub-Saharan Africa. Findings: The study revealed that adolescent pregnancy is influenced by community and religious norms of abstinence and reservation of sexuality discussion which are embedded in family and societies. The responsibility for initiating protection against pregnancy is unclear between partners. Specifically, in the Upper East Region, widespread of poverty and employment status expose adolescents to sexual exploitation, which can result in pregnancy. Social norms are the main issues that are influencing adolescent access to accurate information/knowledge and contraceptives. Conclusion/Recommendation: There are multiple individual and environmental factors that influence adolescents’ access to SRH information and services, choices and intentions around sexual behaviour and contraceptive use leading to adolescent pregnancy. These factors form a complex web and many are embedded in cultural norms. The Ghana Health Service should dialogue with community and religious leaders on matters concerning adolescent SRH and contraceptive and create an avenue to offer the adolescents the opportunity to express their needs.
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
,
VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)
Country:
Ghana
Region:
West Africa
Training:
Master of Public Health
Category:
Research
Right:
@ 2017 Babae
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation
File:
reNNWe8UpJ_20180415124217113.pdf