Substance use and sexual cognitive orientation as predictors of academic performance among pregnant adolescents in Nigeria

Despite extensive research on the subject, the persistent prevalence of unwanted pregnancies and school dropouts among teenage girls remains a significant concern. This study aims to elucidate the complex dynamics underlying substance use, adolescent psycho-cognitive predispositions, and academic achievement among pregnant teenagers in selected metropolitan areas of Nigeria. Using a cross-sectional study design, we enrolled 400 consenting pregnant teenagers from three chosen states in Nigeria (Niger state, Lagos, and Port Harcourt) between January and April 2021, employing the snowball sampling technique. Data were collected through a validated self-administered questionnaire and subjected to analysis using Structural Equation Modeling with Smart-Pls to illustrate path analysis representing the dynamics of the phenomenon. The findings revealed that substance use, including alcohol (β=-0.224, p<0.001) and psychoactive drugs (β=0.211, p<0.001), significantly influenced sexual-cognitive orientation, encompassing knowledge/perception (β=-0.229, p<0.001) and attitude (β=-0.171, p<0.001). Furthermore, sexual-cognitive orientation (β=0.443, p<0.001) and attitude (β=-0.168, p<0.001) significantly predicted academic performance. Substance use with abuse potential was found to impair the cognitive ability to make decisions regarding safe sex, and sexual activity negatively affected the academic performance of pregnant students. This study highlights the need for a multi-level approach, addressing individual and environmental factors, to facilitate positive lifestyle modifications related to sexual cognitive orientation and harm reduction, ultimately improving the academic performance of pregnant teenagers.