Adolescent pregnancy outcomes in Jos, North Central Nigeria: The roles of disclosure and social support systems

Degge, Hannah; Z. Olorunsaiye, Comfort; Ataguba Achema, Timothy; O. Ubanyi, Tina; N. Yada, Farida

Abstract

Adolescent pregnancy is mostly unintended and an indicator of unmet sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs. In most African cultures, sociocultural and religious expectations of chastity make unintended adolescent pregnancy a traumatic experience. This study examined the roles of disclosure and social support networks in determining adolescent pregnancy outcomes in Jos, Nigeria. Using a qualitative design, we conducted in-depth interviews with 17 young persons aged 16–24 years, recruited through purposive and snowballing sampling methods. Data were analysed using an inductive approach. Informal social support networks, mainly mothers and close friends, played prominent roles in pregnancy disclosure. The fear of unsafe abortion complications and lack of other options forced most participants into early motherhood. Parenting issues also contributed to unintended adolescent pregnancies. Participants noted that adolescent males had better access to contraceptive devices like condoms. Additionally, the absence of formal opportunities for institutional support through education and youth-friendly SRH services constituted barriers to preventing unintended adolescent pregnancies. Considering the important role family plays, preventing unintended adolescent pregnancies requires empowering parents on SRH communication. A gender-based approach to adolescent-friendly SRH services is recommended. The Nigerian government needs to reconsider how to provide contextually-acceptable comprehensive sexuality education to young people.

Citation

Degge, H., Z. Olorunsaiye, C., Ataguba Achema, T., O. Ubanyi, T., & N. Yada, F. (2023). Adolescent pregnancy outcomes in Jos, North Central Nigeria: The roles of disclosure and social support systems. Global Public Health, 18(1), Article 2129724. https://doi.org/10.1080/17441692.2022.2129724

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 14, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Nov 20, 2022
• Publication Date: 2023
• Deposit Date: May 28, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: May 29, 2024
• Journal: Global Public Health
• Print ISSN: 1744-1692
• Electronic ISSN: 1744-1706
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 18
• Issue: 1
• Article Number: 2129724
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17441692.2022.2129724
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/35159946
• Publisher URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17441692.2022.2129724