This research was aimed at ascertaining the level of awareness of physical, social and emotional health risks associated with teenage pregnancy among in school adolescents in Oshimilli North Local Government Area of Delta State. Adopting a descriptive survey research design, a sample frame of 500 in school adolescents in Oshimilli North Local Government Area were randomly drawn using multistage sample procedure. A fifteen (15) item questionnaire reviewed the physical, social and emotional health risks associated with teenage pregnancy among in-school adolescents in the area of the study. The instrument was subject to face to face validity by the jury approach. The test retest reliability was applied to obtain coefficient for 82 which was considered high for the study. Descriptive statistics of frequency count, percentages and grand mean as well as inferential statistics of Chi-square (χ2) was used for data analysis. Level of significance was set at 0.05. Based on the findings, it was concluded that some (46.2%) of the respondents have low level of awareness of physical health risks associated with teenage pregnancy. There is significant relationship between male and female respondents in their level of awareness of health risks associated with teenage pregnancy. There is also a significant relationship among respondents of various ages, religious affiliations and level of education in their awareness of health risks associated with teenage pregnancy. Based on the findings and conclusion, recommendations were made pertinent among which are; health and allied educators should intensify their health education campaign against teenage pregnancy at school and at community level.

Excerpt

Abstract
Introduction
Methods
Results
Discussions
Conclusion
References

Objectives and Key Themes

This research aimed to determine the level of awareness among in-school adolescents in Oshimilli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria, regarding the physical, social, and emotional health risks associated with teenage pregnancy. The study employed a descriptive survey research design using questionnaires and statistical analysis to understand the prevalence of awareness and its relationship with various demographic factors.

Awareness of health risks associated with teenage pregnancy among in-school adolescents.
The relationship between demographic factors (age, gender, religion, education) and awareness levels.
The prevalence of low awareness and its implications for public health interventions.
The impact of low awareness on unplanned pregnancies and unsafe abortions.
The need for comprehensive health education campaigns targeting adolescents.

Chapter Summaries

Abstract: This research study investigated the awareness levels of in-school adolescents in Oshimilli North Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria, regarding the health risks associated with teenage pregnancy. Using a descriptive survey design and questionnaires, the study found that a significant portion of respondents had low awareness of the physical, social, and emotional health risks. The results revealed significant relationships between awareness levels and various demographic factors.

Introduction: The introduction establishes the significant health hazards of teenage pregnancy for both the mother and the fetus, citing increased risks of complications like hypertension, anemia, obstructed labor, and maternal mortality. It highlights the alarming rate of teenage pregnancy, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, and the contribution of factors such as declining age at menarche and increased years spent in schooling. The introduction emphasizes the deleterious effects of teenage pregnancy on individual health, societal well-being, and even the sanctity of marriage, setting the stage for the study’s objectives.

Methods: This chapter details the research methodology employed in the study. A cross-sectional survey design was utilized, focusing on in-school adolescents from eleven randomly selected secondary schools in Oshimilli North Local Government Area. The data collection instrument was a structured, closed-ended questionnaire divided into sections covering respondent biodata and health risks associated with teenage pregnancy (physical, emotional, and social). The chapter explains the data analysis techniques, using the epi-info 7 statistical package.

Results: This section presents the quantitative findings of the study. It reveals that a substantial proportion of adolescents demonstrated low awareness of the social, physical, and emotional health risks associated with teenage pregnancy. Specific percentages are provided for each level of awareness (high, moderate, low). The data also indicates that female respondents generally showed higher awareness than male counterparts, while age did not show a direct relationship with awareness levels. These findings highlight a significant gap in adolescent knowledge regarding the consequences of teenage pregnancy.

Discussions: This chapter interprets the study's findings, emphasizing the implications for health education and public health interventions. The low awareness levels underscore the urgent need for comprehensive health promotion and education programs targeting diverse age groups, genders, educational levels, and religious affiliations. It discusses the link between low awareness, unplanned pregnancies, and the dangerous practice of seeking illegal abortions from unqualified individuals. It further analyzes the reasons adolescents might resort to abortion, concluding that a concerted effort from stakeholders is required to empower adolescents with knowledge and support for making informed reproductive health decisions.

Keywords

Teenage pregnancy, adolescent health, health risks, awareness, public health, Nigeria, health education, reproductive health, sexual health, risk factors, demographic factors, intervention, abortion.

Frequently Asked Questions: Research on Teenage Pregnancy Awareness Among In-School Adolescents in Nigeria

What is the main focus of this research?

This research investigates the level of awareness among in-school adolescents in Oshimilli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria, regarding the physical, social, and emotional health risks associated with teenage pregnancy. It explores the relationship between awareness levels and various demographic factors.

What methodology was used in the study?

The study employed a descriptive survey research design using questionnaires administered to in-school adolescents from eleven randomly selected secondary schools. Data analysis was performed using the epi-info 7 statistical package.

What were the key findings of the research?

The study found that a significant portion of respondents had low awareness of the health risks associated with teenage pregnancy. Awareness levels showed significant relationships with some demographic factors, with females generally demonstrating higher awareness than males. The results highlight a substantial gap in adolescent knowledge regarding the consequences of teenage pregnancy.

What are the key themes explored in the research?

Key themes include the prevalence of low awareness among adolescents, the relationship between demographic factors and awareness levels, the implications of low awareness for public health interventions, the impact on unplanned pregnancies and unsafe abortions, and the need for comprehensive health education campaigns.

What are the implications of the findings?

The low awareness levels underscore the urgent need for comprehensive health promotion and education programs targeting adolescents. The research emphasizes the link between low awareness, unplanned pregnancies, and unsafe abortions, highlighting the need for interventions to empower adolescents with knowledge and support for informed reproductive health decisions.

What specific health risks associated with teenage pregnancy were addressed?

The research addressed the physical, social, and emotional health risks associated with teenage pregnancy, including but not limited to hypertension, anemia, obstructed labor, maternal mortality, and the social stigma surrounding teenage motherhood.

What type of data collection instrument was used?

A structured, closed-ended questionnaire was used to gather data on respondent biodata and their awareness of the health risks associated with teenage pregnancy.

What demographic factors were considered?

The study considered demographic factors such as age, gender, religion, and education level in relation to awareness levels of teenage pregnancy risks.

What is the overall conclusion of the research?

The research concludes that there is a significant need for improved health education and targeted interventions to increase awareness among adolescents about the risks associated with teenage pregnancy, thereby promoting safer reproductive health practices.

What are the keywords associated with this research?