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.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Methods
3. Results
4. Discussions
5. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Key Topics
This study aims to ascertain the level of awareness regarding physical, social, and emotional health risks associated with teenage pregnancy among in-school adolescents in the Oshimilli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria.
- Assessment of adolescent awareness levels concerning pregnancy-related health risks
- Investigation of socio-demographic influences on health awareness
- Evaluation of the implications for public health education and intervention
- Analysis of the correlation between school environment and reproductive health knowledge
Excerpt from the Book
Introduction
Teenage pregnancy constitutes a health hazard both to the mothers and the fetus. The mother is at increased risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension, anemia, obstructed labor and its squeal (Okpani et al 1995, Ojengbede et al 1987, Uwaezuoke et al 2004). They are also three times more likely to die as a result of the complications of pregnancy and delivery than those aged 20-24 (Aboyeji et al 2001, UNFPA 2000). The fetus is prone to be delivered preterm, small for gestational age and has an increased risk of pre-natal death (Ojengbede et al 1987, Uwaezuoke et al 2004, Aboyeji et al 2001).
The problems of teenage pregnancy in our society at large have consulted a deleterious health problem which should be fought at all cost. These problems for some time now has continued to rear up the ugly heads defying all measures geared towards salvaging the situation. To an extent, even the sanctity of marriage is being ignored. According to the professional Association of Public Health Nursing Officers of Nigeria (PAPHNON), Teens are less likely than older women to gain an adequate amount of weight during pregnancy. Low weight gain increases the risk of having a low weight baby.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Provides the context of teenage pregnancy as a major health hazard and outlines the associated physical risks for both mother and fetus.
Methods: Describes the descriptive cross-sectional survey research design, including the sampling of 500 in-school adolescents and the use of a structured questionnaire.
Results: Presents the primary findings, indicating that a majority of respondents possess a low level of awareness regarding the social, physical, and emotional risks of teenage pregnancy.
Discussions: Analyzes the implications of the low awareness levels and emphasizes the urgent need for targeted public health education and intervention programs.
Conclusion: Summarizes the study findings and suggests that government and NGO programs should focus on changing adolescent perceptions and promoting health-enhancing behaviors like abstinence and condom use.
Keywords
Teenage pregnancy, Adolescents, Health risks, Awareness, Public health, Reproductive health, Nigeria, Education, Maternal morbidity, Infant mortality, Prevention, Sexual behavior, Survey research, Adolescent fertility, Health promotion
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The study focuses on evaluating how much in-school adolescents in Oshimilli North, Nigeria, know about the various health risks associated with becoming pregnant as a teenager.
What are the primary themes addressed in the study?
The central themes include physical, social, and emotional health risks, adolescent reproductive behavior, the role of public health education, and the impact of socio-demographic factors on health awareness.
What is the main goal of this research?
The primary goal is to determine the current level of awareness among school-aged adolescents to inform future public health interventions and educational strategies.
Which methodology was employed for the study?
The researchers utilized a descriptive, cross-sectional survey research design, collecting data through a 15-item structured questionnaire administered to 500 selected students.
What does the main body of the paper cover?
The body covers the introduction to the health crisis of teenage pregnancy, the methods used to measure awareness, statistical results of the survey, and a discussion on the implications for educators and health personnel.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include Teenage pregnancy, Adolescents, Health risks, Public health, Reproductive health, and health promotion.
Why are the findings regarding female awareness significant?
The results indicated that female respondents are more aware of the risks than their male counterparts, suggesting that gender-specific educational interventions are necessary.
What role do 'quack abortionists' play in the discussion?
The paper highlights that low awareness leads to unplanned pregnancies, and because abortion is illegal in Nigeria, teenagers often seek help from unqualified individuals, putting their reproductive health at severe risk.
What does the author suggest to improve the situation?
The author recommends that health and media educators, as well as stakeholders, intensify health campaigns and provide adolescents with the guidance and services needed to make informed reproductive choices.
How does the age of respondents impact their awareness?
The study found that the age of the adolescents had no direct relationship with their level of awareness of the risks associated with teenage pregnancy.
- Citation du texte
- Kingsley Adimabua (Auteur), G. A. Awemu (Auteur), A. M. Odiegwu (Auteur), 2013, Awareness of the Health Risks Associated With Teenage Pregnancy in School Adolescents, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/209217
