SOCIO-CULTURAL FACTORS INFLUENCING TEENAGE PREGNANCY IN THE EAST MAMPRUSI MUNICIPALITY, GHANA

Abstract

Teenage pregnancy puts a heavy cost on the mother and newborn child, family and the wider society. Despite measures taken by the Ghana Health Service to tackle the issue of teenage pregnancy, the phenomenon remains a public health concern that is widespread throughout the country. The study investigated the socio-cultural factors influencing teenage pregnancy in the East Mamprusi Municipality using an exploratory descriptive design. The study was conducted in rural communities in the East Mamprusi Municipality, in the North East Region of Ghana. Eighteen (18) participants were purposively sampled. Data collection was done by face to face interviews using an interview guide. The study found that polygamous families, parents’ desire for grandchildren, multiple sexual partners and poverty were reportedly influencing teenage pregnancy in the rural community. The bid to establish close family ties also accounted for early marriages. There is a culture of silence on matters of sexuality in the community. Teenage pregnancy is an observed phenomenon admitted by the participants and teenage girls are at risk of serious health complications. This phenomenon paints a gloomy picture of the girl child education in the municipality. (Afr J Reprod Health 2022; 26[5]: 120-130)