A comparative analysis of predictors of teenage pregnancy and its prevention in a rural town in Western Nigeria

Abstract

IntroductionTeenagers younger than 15 are five times more likely to die during pregnancy or childbirth than women in their twenties and mortality rates for their infants are higher as well. This study was therefore designed to determine the recent prevalence and identify factors associated with teenage pregnancy in a rural town in Nigeria.MethodsThis study is an analytical comparative cross-sectional study. A total sample of all pregnant women attending the primary health care in Sagamu local government area, Ogun State within a 2 months period were recruited into the study.ResultsA total of 225 pregnant women were recruited into the study. The prevalence of teenage pregnancy was 22.9%. Teenagers [48.2%] reported more unwanted pregnancy when compared with the older age group [13.6%] [OR = 5.91, C.I = 2.83-12.43]. About half 33 [41.1%] of the teenage pregnant women and 28.6% of the older pregnant women did not know how to correctly use condom to prevent pregnancy [OR = 0.57, C.I = 0.29-1.13]. Predictors of teenage pregnancy were low social class (OR = 2.25, C.I = 1.31-3.85], Religion (OR = 0.44, C.I = 0.21-0.91], being a student (OR = 3.27, C.I = 1.02-10.46) and having a white collar job (OR = 0.09, C.I = 0.01-0.81).ConclusionThe study concludes that employment in an established organization (white collar job) is highly protective against teenage pregnancy while students are becoming increasingly prone to early pregnancy. Government should structure employment in low income countries in such a way as to give a quota to adolescents who are unable to continue their education.

Prevalence of Malaria in Pregnant Women Attending Ante Natal Care at University of Port Harcourt Primary Health Care Centre Aluu, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

“…In sub Saharan Africa, anaemia, spontaneous abortion, prematurity and stillbirths are common symptoms of the disease. In Nigeria, the disease is a major public health challenge as malaria alone accounts for 11% maternal deaths annually (WHO, 2010;Amoran et al, 2012). However, no matter how alarming these statistics may sound some researchers still express doubts about their accuracy especially on the true status of malaria parasitemia in pregnancy in Nigeria (Eze et al, 2010).…”

“…In endemic countries like Nigeria, 20% of malaria parasitemia in pregnancy are asymptomatic, with susceptibility to parasitemia common in primgravidae (Desai et al, 2007;, Amoran, 2012. Agomo et al (2009), stated that amongst the factors identified to increase the risk of malaria infection include; young maternal age (<20years), and gravidity (primigravidae).…”

“…Agomo et al (2009), stated that amongst the factors identified to increase the risk of malaria infection include; young maternal age (<20years), and gravidity (primigravidae). This problem is further aggravated by the paucity in Primary health facilities and the preference of pregnant women for unorthodox health care providers especially in the rural areas (Nduka et al, 2011;Amoran, 2012;Molina and Gonzalez, 2012). This study is aimed at determining the malaria parasitaemia in primigravidae and multigravidae pregnant women on ante-natal care programme at the University of Port Harcourt Primary Health Care Centre, Aluu, Rivers State, Nigeria.…”

“…Naturally, indigenes of the study area readily acquire immunity due to repeated exposure to Plasmodium spp. of parasites (Bassey et al, 2007;Amoran et al, 2012), which declines as pregnancy set-in. (Amoran, 2012;Molina and Gonzalez, 2012).…”

Adolescent Pregnancy; A Comparative Study From the Teaching Hospital of Lahore, Pakistan

“…It may also add to the progression of poverty and its added problems. 5,6 Teenage pregnancies are frequently 3,7,8 The problem of adolescent pregnancy needs to be addressed with a multidimensional attitude. The burden of adolescent pregnancy problems can be reduced by widespread education about contraception which also involves provision of readily available, safe and appropriate contraceptive methods.…”