Prevalence and Associated Factors of Teenage Pregnancy among Female Students in Public Secondary Schools in Uturu, Isuikwato Local Government Area, Abia State

Abstract

Background: Teenage pregnancy remains a major public health concern because of its adverse health, educational, and social consequences for adolescent girls, their children, families, and communities. Evidence from school-based populations in Uturu, Isuikwato Local Government Area, remains limited. Objective: This study determined the prevalence of teenage pregnancy, identified factors associated with teenage pregnancy, and examined educational implications among female students in Uturu, Isuikwato Local Government Area, Abia State. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among female students in five public secondary schools. A total of 216 respondents participated in the study (response rate: 100%), and data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Results: Respondents aged 17 years constituted the largest age group (51, 23.6%). Participants were Christians (185, 85.6%), resided in rural areas (149, 70.0%), and were in senior secondary school (145, 67.1%). Among respondents who had ever had sexual intercourse (148, 68.5%), 82 (55.4%) reported pregnancy. The most frequently reported factors associated with teenage pregnancy were poverty (24, 29.3%), peer pressure (14, 17.1%), and sexual abuse (10, 12.2%). School withdrawal (41, 50.0%) and below-average academic performance following pregnancy (35, 42.7%) were the most commonly reported educational implications. Conclusion: Teenage pregnancy was common among female students and was associated with educational and health-related challenges. Comprehensive sexuality education, strengthened parent-child communication, adolescent-responsive reproductive health services, poverty-sensitive interventions, and measures to prevent sexual abuse may contribute to reducing teenage pregnancy and its associated consequences.