FACTORS INFLUENCING PREGNANCY RATES AMONG TEENAGERS ATTENDING ANTENATAL CLINIC

ABSTRACT

Teenage pregnancy is a concern worldwide and has been on an alarming increase in Nigeria in recent times. The main purpose of this study is to identify factors influencing pregnancy rates among teenagers attending antenatal clinic at central hospital, Benin City. This study is a non-experimental descriptive research conducted among 100 pregnant teenagers attending antenatal clinic at central hospital, Benin City using convenient sampling technique. The instrument used for data collection was structured questionnaires designed by the researcher. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data obtained. The study findings revealed that the factors that contribute to teenage pregnancy are: social pressures, poverty, lack of adequate education on sex, media, lack of contraceptives, and divorce (parents. Lastly, there is a significant relationship between the educational background of teenagers and their awareness of pregnancy prevention strategies. The factors contributing to teenage pregnancy should be critically considered when rolling out programmes aimed at stemming the tide of teenage pregnancy in Central Hospital, Benin City. Based on the study findings, the study thus recommends that early sex education at home by parents and other adults should be encouraged. Regular sexuality education campaigns and workshops in the clinics, schools, community centres and religious settings should be organized by health professionals and educators.