Pediatrics & Therapeutics
Open Access

Abstract

Attitude of Secondary School Students in Port Harcourt to Teenage Pregnancy

Tabansi PN, Opara PI and Eke GC

Background: Early initiation of coitus in adolescence is often done without birth control and may result in pregnancy which is at high risk for poor maternal and infant outcome. There is also significant psychosocial morbidity for the adolescent mother, father, and the child. Also, affected females may ultimately suffer from poor educational achievement. In Nigeria, data on teenage pregnancy and sexuality issues are scanty, possibly due to aversion for the topic because of socio-cultural and religious reasons. Pregnancy is the most common cause of school drop-out for adolescent girls [1]; as such prevention should be the primary goal.
Objective: To evaluate the attitude of secondary school students in Port Harcourt towards teenage pregnancy.
Methods: This is a cross sectional study of secondary school students in Port Harcourt using a structured, anonymous, self-administered questionnaire. Information sought included student’s Bio-data, sexual activity if any, contraception use, and actions taken if pregnant occurred. Results: There were 1050 students; 486 males and 564 females. Age ranged from 10-19 years. Ninety-six students (9.14%) were sexually active. Of these, 50 (52.1%) used contraception. Five hundred and forty-eight students (52.2%) will blame affected females for becoming pregnant. Six hundred and ten (58.1%) will inform their parent if they become pregnant or impregnate a girl; while 36 will seek abortion.
Conclusion: Secondary school students had poor attitude towards teenage pregnancy and contraception issues, but will inform their parents should a pregnancy occur. Majority of girls prefer to drop out of school if pregnant. There is thus an urgent need to address adolescents’ sexuality and pregnancy related issues via sexuality education in schools.