TEENAGE PREGNANCY AMONG JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS: CAUSES AND IMPLICATIONS IN THE TALENSI DISTRICT OF THE UPPER EAST REGION OF GHANA

Abstract

Recognition of high pregnancy and birth rates among teenagers in Ghana, and its accompanying social, physical, behavioral, economic, and educational consequences for the teenage mother, infant, and society have prompted many initiatives to prevent adolescent pregnancy. This study examined the socio-economic causes of teenage pregnancy, psychological causes as well as its effects on girls' education in the Talensi district of the Upper East region of Ghana. Simple random sampling technique and purposive sampling technique were used to select participants for the study. Data were collected using semi-structured interview guide and structured questionnaire and analyses were done using the descriptive statistics, frequencies, and percentages. The study revealed that majority of the teenage girls were Christians who lived with both parents and they have a clear understanding of teenage pregnancy. The study also revealed that the socio-economic causes of teenage pregnancy include funerals, peer group influence, family neglect among others. It has also revealed that teenage pregnancy has negative or detrimental effect on teenagers' academic career as well as increase family burden and sexual transmitted diseases. The director of Talensi district education directorate should introduce sex and sexuality learning programmes in all the basic schools in the district. The district chief executive in collaboration with the opinion leaders in the district should ban the disco at funeral centers, and finally, the district chief executive should lobby with the NGOs within the district to establish parent information sessions in various communities of the district.