Teenage pregnancy and socio-economic implications for adolescents in southern senatorial district of cross river state, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigates teenage pregnancy and socio-economic implications for adolescents in Southern Senatorial District of Cross River State, Nigeria. It is both a quantitative and qualitative study that utilizes questionnaire, structured interview and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) to gather data. 517 respondents were randomly selected using multistage and simple random sampling techniques to arrive at the sample. Data drawn from the interview were analyzed using tables, percentages, mean and standard deviations, and data drawn from FGD were analyzed by ATLAS. ti 8 software for windows while Chi-square (X2) was used to test research hypothesis. The findings revealed that teenage pregnancy has become pervasive in the study area and were perpetuated by socio-cultural factors such as widowhood practices, patriarchal culture, male child preference, early marriage, peer pressures, social media influence and financial inducements. These socio-cultural practices have destroyed facets of the future of these teens including dropping out of school, increased level of poverty and inability to care for the newly born child among others. Based on these findings it was recommended among others that harmful cultural practices should be eradicated by the government. Also, sex education is required to promote strong moral values among teens. Teens should be sufficiently empowered, encouraged on contraceptive use. Awareness creation and sensitization campaigns should be organized as measures to curb teenage pregnancies in the study area.