Abstract:
Teenage pregnancy and unsafe abortion is a major problem in Ghana, Sub-Saharan Africa and by extension the world at large. The consequences of teenage pregnancy and unsafe abortion are inimical to the health and well-being of Ghana’s teenage population. It leads to infant and maternal mortality, obstetric fistulas, severe bleeding, and school dropout among others. The study explored the community perspectives on curbing teenage pregnancy and unsafe abortion in East Mamprusi District. The approach of the study was qualitative research with exploratory descriptive design. Eighteen (18) participants in the district were purposively sampled after they met the inclusion criteria. Data collection was done by face to face interviews using interview guide. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Analysis of the data was done using thematic content analysis. The study found that, polygamous families, parents’ desire for grandchildren, and poverty were reportedly the causes of teenage pregnancy.
The bid to establish close family ties also accounted for early marriages. The study found that there is a culture of silence on matters of sexuality in the community. Participants were in support of sex education for teenagers in spite of the cultural taboos on sex education. The study participants were however not in support of safe abortion services for teenagers. Safe abortion was viewed as a sin and murder of a defenceless child. The victims of abortion in the communities are stigmatised (‘second witches’ and devils). Participants had considerable knowledge and awareness about contraception. However, they were not in support of contraceptive use by sexually active teenagers. The study also established that night disco dance popularly called jams and night video shows organised in the community serve as a conduit for sexual misconduct and promiscuity among the teenagers. It was recommended that community durbars with chiefs, opinion leaders and parents should be organised by public health nurses to sensitise them on harmful cultural practices, dispel the myths and misconceptions about contraceptive use and the importance of safe abortion services.
