Abstract:
Teenage pregnancy has become an enormous global reproductive health problem as the rates continue to increase. Early pregnancy both within and outside marriage is a common experience throughout the world. Teenage pregnancy and the subsequent teen motherhood is a major societal problem confronting sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana. This study determined the prevalence and determinants of teenage pregnancy at Kpone-on-Sea in the Tema Municipality of the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The study took place in seven communities of the sub-district. The study was a cross sectional study and employed both qualitative and quantitative techniques. Structured questionnaires were administered to 500 female teenagers in the seven communities. Qualitative data was collected from 42 participants using in-depth and key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Ethical review was obtained from the ethical review committee of Ghana Health Service. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Packages for Social Scientists (SPSS, version 16.0) and Epi Info (version 3.3.2). The qualitative data was transcribed and analyzed. The study found that teenage pregnancy in Kpone-on-Sea sub-district was higher (11.4%) than the regional estimate of 9.5%. Lack of sex education, parental care and financial support, poverty and peer pressure were identified as key causes of teenage pregnancy in the sub-district. There were no youth friendly centres at Kpone-on-Sea. Statistically significant relationship was found between age at teenage pregnancy and age at menarche (r=0.640; p<0.01).
The findings indicate that teenage pregnancy is a problem in Kpone-on-Sea sub-district. Measures should be put in place to address the key factors that have been identified to help curb the problem of teenage pregnancy in the sub-district. University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh
