Teenage Pregnancy in Developing Countries

Abstract

The present study was carried out to assess the pattern of knowledge and awareness of teenage pregnancies in a Semi-urban area of Rivers state, Nigeria. Pregnancies among teenagers and teenage motherhood are also causes for concern around the world. The vast majority of teenage pregnancies take place in low and middle-income countries with inadequate health-care resources. As a result, complications during pregnancy and the postpartum period (42 days after birth) are the second leading cause of death among females aged 13 to 19 globally. Alcohol and drugs that weaken inhibition may lead to an increase in unintended sexual encounters. If that's the case, it's unclear whether the drugs themselves cause kids to engage in riskier behavior, or whether drug users are more likely to engage in sex. Based on previous research on factors associated with adolescent pregnancy in developing countries, it has been revealed that early sexual start, poor sexual education, and socio-cultural influences are all associated with first adolescent pregnancy. The study showed a relatively poor knowledge of teenage pregnancy especially among sexually active female adolescents. Sexual education and increased awareness are recommended to curb the spread of teen pregnancy in this region.