KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEIVED FACTORS INFLUENCING TEENAGE PREGNANCY AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN SELECTED SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN COMMUNITY
BACKGROUND: Teenage pregnancy is a problem that has global implications on rates of pregnancy-related school dropouts, leading to gender disparities in education especially in the developing countries. This study sought to examine the knowledge and perceived factors influencing teenage pregnancy among adolescents in selected secondary school in the university of Ibadan community.
METHODS: This descriptive study was carried out in two secondary schools located within a university community using simple random technique. A questionnaire whose validity and reliability has been previously ascertained was used for data collection. A total number of 287 adolescents participated in the study. Data obtained was analysed using SPSS.
RESULTS: Result demonstrated that the knowledge of teenage pregnancy varies among the adolescents and that there was a significant association between maternal education and knowledge of teenage pregnancy among the adolescents P < 0.05. Further analysis revealed certain factors influencing teenage pregnancy such as poor parenting, lack of sex education among others.
CONCLUSION: Adolescents' knowledge of teenage pregnancy varies; it is therefore recommended that increase awareness on prevention of teenage pregnancy will benefit our society.