Psychosocial determinant of teenage pregnancy among selected secondary school students in akamkpa local government area, cross river state, nigeria

Abstract

Purpose This study explored the psychosocial determinants of teenage pregnancy among selected secondary school students in Akamkpa Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria. The Specific objectives were to determine the influence of parental-child relationship on teenage pregnancy, examine influence of attitude to sex on teenage pregnancy, determine influence of self-esteem on teenage pregnancy and ascertain the influence of peer influence on teenage pregnancy among selected secondary school students in Akamkpa Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria. Four research questions and a hypothesis were formulated to guide the study. Method: The research design employed in the study is cross-sectional descriptive design. A total of 241 female senior secondary schools one and two (SSS I & SSS II) students of five (5) public secondary schools in Akamkpa LGA, Cross River State were selected as sample of the study using simple and proportionate sampling techniques. The instrument of data collection was a structured questionnaire. Data collected were presented and analyzed using frequencies, percentages and descriptive statistics (Means []). The hypothesis was tested using Population t-test (t) analysis. Result The findings of the study revealed that parent-child relationship has a negative influence on teenage pregnancy among female students. Attitude to sex has positive influence on teenage pregnancy among female students. Self-esteem has positive influence on teenage pregnancy among female students. Peer pressure has negative influence on teenage pregnancy among female students. There is a significant negative influence of peer influence on teenage pregnancy among female students in selected secondary schools in Akamkpa LGA, Cross River State. Based on the results it was recommended that Parents should endeavour to strengthen relationships with their children as this will help them to discuss relevant issues relating to sexuality and reproductive health that will help prevent unwanted teenage pregnancy. Conclusion: Teenage pregnancy is a major public health and social problem worldwide. Poor parent-child relation and peer pressure have negative influence on teenage pregnancy among female students while, self-esteem and attitude to sex have positive influence on teenage pregnancy