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.
Acknowledgements
We are grateful to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Lagos State Ministry of Health and the Primary Health Care Board for allowing this study, and to the participants of this study for their cooperation.
Declarations: We declare no conflict of interest.
Funding: This work was funded by the UNFPA. The funders had no role in the conduct of the study or the interpretation of results.
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