INTRODUCTION
Background to the study
Teenage pregnancies are extremely common and have become a big challenge and a critical issue facing Africa. This point of view is supported by Msima nga (2006) cited in Gauteng Department of Education (2007) in her statement that teenage pregnancies have reached a threatening level in Africa as seeing that many teenagers fall pregnant at a very immature age. The Health Statistics (2007) reported that each year, adolescents become pregnant prior to the age of twenty, bringing a rounded figure of a million in a year. Nigeria is battling to overcome its HIV/AIDS pandemic, however the fact that the country’s teenagers are becoming sexually active and pregnant at a very young age is another contributing challenge to deal with. The results of the studies done showed that approximately 90% of the teenagers are sexually active (Love Life, 2007). Sexual activity exposes teenagers to sexually transmitted diseases (STD?s) and increases their risk to become HIV/AIDS infected. Health Statistics (2007) reported that one in five pregnant teenagers is infected with the HIV/AIDS virus. This creates a new imperative to understand teenage pregnancies and the pattern of high risk sexual activity that teenagers indulge in (Msimanga, 2006).
According to Love Life (2007) a variety of research studies and programmes have been developed and implemented to investigate and address the issues of teenage pregnancies in Africa. Some studies have contributed to a better understanding of the phenomenon of teenage pregnancy and its challenges. Much effort has also been put into increasing the sex education and promotion of safer sex programmes to prevent teenage pregnancies. However, it seems that despite these efforts, there is no indication of reduction of teenage pregnancy rates in Nigeria. The alarming rate of teenage pregnancies among Nigerians became a driving force for the researcher to investigate this particular phenomenon. Health Statistics (2007) showed that the teenage pregnancy rate in Nigeria is 90%. The implication of this is that the majority of teenagers do not complete their secondary schooling. It seems that the knowledge and awareness of adolescents with regards to the implications and consequences of teenage pregnancy are inadequate and more detailed research is deemed necessary. Teenagers are at a vulnerable stage in their development as they have to face and deal with many challenges. Becoming pregnant hinders teenagers from reaching their potential and dreams and might limit their future prospects. Social work is a society based profession whose main aim is to address social issues and to protect the vulnerable populations such as children, as well as working to improve the interests of the children. On a daily basis social workers deal with teenagers some of whom are pregnant. Therefore, this study is likely to contribute to the knowledge base of the social work profession in that a better understanding of the issues teenagers are confronted with will be created. Social workers would probably also gain more insight into the phenomenon which will enable them to respond positively and effectively in helping adolescents in preventing and dealing with teenage pregnancy. The outcome of the study could also assist social workers in influencing policy development and advocating policy implementation.
Statement of the problem
Teenage pregnancy is significant medical and social problem in many parts of the world. Complication of the child birth and unsafe abortion are among the main causes of death for women under 20. Early teenage pregnancy can cause severe health problems for both the mother and child. Moreover, an early start to childbearing greatly reduces women’s educational and employment opportunities and is associated with higher levels of fertility.
Objectives of the study
The purpose of the study is to explore the levels of knowledge and attitude on the effects of teenage pregnancy. The study has the following specific objectives:
Significance of the study
This study is important being that it will help in the enhancement of people’s knowledge on rate of teenagers indulging in Teenage Pregnancy.
The study will help participants come to the reality and reflect on the effects and problems attached in teenage pregnancy. This will further help in preventing teenagers from indulging in sexual acts that will cause early pregnancy.
Research question
Questions put forward to guide this study include:
Research hypothesis
Ho
: There is no relationship between knowledge and attitude on the effect of teenage pregnancies.Scope of study
The respondents for this study were teenagers in Emaudo and environ. The sample for this study was drawn through purposive sampling. Purposive sampling is a type of sampling that is based on the judgment of the researcher and allows the researcher to select a sample that is representative of the population.
Operational definition of term