Research Article

The Impact of Teenage Pregnancy on Public Health in Okposi Community, Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area, Rivers State

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the phenomenon of teenage pregnancy and its implications for public health in Okposi Community within the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State. Employing a descriptive study design, the research population was determined to be 12,824 individuals, with a sample size of 321 calculated at 2.5% of the population. Data collection utilized a self-structured questionnaire, administered through a multi-stage sampling procedure. Of the 321 distributed questionnaires, 310 were retrieved and analyzed using simple percentage. Key findings revealed that prevalent contemporary issues associated with teenage pregnancy included a lack of sex education (91.29%), parental absence from home (95.81%), peer pressure (89.35%), low socio-economic status (69.68%), and negative media influences (68.39%), among others. Consequences of teenage pregnancy identified by respondents encompassed pregnancy-related complications (86.45%), inadequate care/love for the born child (91.61%), increased school dropout rates (89.68%), and diminished family moral values (93.87%). Respondents offered various solutions to address teenage pregnancy, including the provision of adequate employment opportunities (83.55%), implementation of comprehensive sex education in both school and home settings (97.77%), ensuring access to affordable housing for the community (78.39%), and the establishment of social security programs (69.35%). Additionally, it was suggested that fostering positive mother-child relationships could facilitate adequate communication, while parents should remain vigilant in monitoring their teenagers' social circles and friendships.