Causative factors for sexual and reproductive health status of pregnant adolescent girls in urban communities of Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Background The overall goal of this study was to determine the causative factors for pregnancy status in adolescent girls in two communities in the Lagos Island local government area. Methods A mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative) study reviewing routine health facility antenatal care (ANC) records and conducting focus group discussions among 46 pregnant adolescents, exploring their views about sex, contraception, pregnancy and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, was carried out. Key informant interviews were also carried out among healthcare workers and community members to assess their perceptions of adolescents' SRH problems. Results Five percent of those accessing ANC services were adolescents. Pregnant adolescents were found to access health services at later stages of their pregnancies due to the shame and stigma associated with their condition. The presence of morbidity in the form of anaemia (33%) and HIV (2.4%) was also found in this population. Social factors such as peer pressure and the desire to develop or maintain a relationship were found to be the major reasons for initiation of sexual activity by the adolescents. There was generally poor knowledge and utilisation of contraceptives, leading to unprotected sex and, thus, unintended pregnancies. Conclusion SRH information and services should be made readily available to adolescents at all levels of care.

Predictors of pregnancy among young people in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and narrative synthesis

“…Sexual coercion or pressure from male partners was cited as a predictor of teenage pregnancy in 6 of the 15 studies 26–31. In one study conducted in South Africa, pressure from one’s partner to not use contraceptives or to have a baby was stated by numerous young women as the reason why they became pregnant as an adolescent 28.…”

“…In another study, teenage girls engaged in sexual relations with men in exchange for gifts and money or due to relentless pressure from the man to have sex 29. Peer influence and the need to maintain one’s social status among peers was cited as a predictor in four of the studies 26 27 30 31. In one study, teenage mothers cited trying to fit in with friends as a reason for engaging in sexual activity 26.…”

“…Low or incorrect use of contraceptives was cited in 6 out of the 15 studies 27 28 30 32–34. In one study conducted in Malawi, misconceptions about contraceptives due to lack of knowledge and low awareness led to low contraceptive use 32.…”

“…Misconceptions included sterility, condoms disappearing within the woman’s body, development of cancer, prolonged menstruation, heart palpitations, and excessive weight gain or loss. In another study, girls avoided using contraceptives simply because they did not want to use them 27. Low knowledge of sexual health, contraceptives and abortion was mentioned in 4 of the 15 studies 27 28 30 33.…”

“…In another study, girls avoided using contraceptives simply because they did not want to use them 27. Low knowledge of sexual health, contraceptives and abortion was mentioned in 4 of the 15 studies 27 28 30 33. In one study conducted in South Africa, more than half of female respondents (74.1%) fell pregnant due to lack of knowledge about pregnancy 33.…”