Title:
Teenage Pregnancy and Its Influencing Factors in Nigeria - Literature Review
Authors:
Njoku, Obinna Chukwuwnike
Place:
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Publisher:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute [etc.]
Year:
2022
PAGE:
ix, 50
Language:
En
Subject:
Maternal Health – Lessons Learned
Keywords:
teenage, pregnancy, Nigeria, Africa
Abstract:
Introduction: Notwithstanding the decline in teenage birth rate, Nigeria is still considered as one of the countries with the highest teen birth rates in the world. An increasing percentage of teenagers aged 15-19 are engaged in sexual activities with associated consequences of pregnancy, abortion, HIV/AIDS, and other health problems. Moreover, the risk of dying and the complications associated with pregnancy are doubled in teenage girls compared with women in their twenties. This thesis examined factors of influence on teenage pregnancy (TP) in Nigeria, identified effective interventions and provided actionable recommendations. Methods: A literature review, examined factors of influence on TP in Nigeria, using the social ecological model (SEM). Relevant articles were identified using PubMed and Google scholar search engines and databases Due to paucity of articles on TP in Nigeria, articles of up to 40 years were accommodated. Only articles in English language relevant to teenage pregnancy were selected. Results: The described factors contributed to TP in Nigeria using the SEM, were mostly found among individual and community factors, followed by relationship factors, and societal factors. The prominent factors were, age at sexual debut, child marriage, lack of formal education of youths, adults/parents, poor teen sexual reproductive health services (SRHS). “Baby factory”, contributed to TP but with limited information about the extent to which it contributed. Covid-19 pandemic compounded the challenges of TP in Nigeria. Interventions to improve teen SRHS, formal and sexuality education as well as economic empowerment etc were identified. Conclusion: Teenage girls could be protected from pregnancy if they are provided access to safe, affordable, and acceptable modern contraceptives, formal and sexuality education, and life skill intervention. Also, engaging religious/traditional heads, teachers, health educators in TP prevention campaigns could be an effective strategy.
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute , VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)
Country:
Nigeria
Region:
West Africa
Training:
Master of Science in International Health
Category:
Research
Right:
@ 2022 Njoku
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation
File:
skREfjEjxU_20230509154510525.pdf