Determinants and outcome of teenage pregnancy in a rural community in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: In Nigeria, the rate of teenage mothers was reported in 2008 to be 22.9% and the poor socio-demographic status of the pregnant teens play a major role in the poor maternal and child health indices and contribute to the slow pace of attainment of the related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). This study was designed to determine the proportion of teenagers who have been pregnant, the outcome of the pregnancy and the socio-demographic determinants of the affected teens in the community. Materials and Methods: It was a community-based cross-sectional study in which an interviewer administered questionnaires was administered to 192 respondents aged 13-19 years. Results: the proportion of those who have ever been married was 25.5%, with significant association found between the age of the teenagers and being pregnant (P < 0.001). Most of the teenagers were single (75.6%) and a significant association was found between TP and teenage marriage (P < 0.001). Although 72.9% were still in school, TP was significantly associated with teenagers that were out of school (P = 0.001). TP was observed to be higher among teens with lower level of parental education though not statistically significant. (Father- none-33% and primary-36.4%; Mother: Primary-30.4%). TP was also found to be higher among teens of unskilled parent (30.4%), from polygamous family setting (42.3%) and teens in tertiary level of education (40.7%), though no statistical significant association was observed. Conclusion: Teenage pregnancy still remains a major issue in our environment and the socio-demographic characteristics of both the parents and the teenagers were found to be determinants of teenage pregnancy.