1.1 Introduction
Teenage pregnancy is a pressing issue with far-reaching consequences, impacting the lives of young individuals, families, and society at large. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 12 million girls aged 15 to 19 give birth each year worldwide, with complications from pregnancy and childbirth being a leading cause of death among adolescent girls in developing countries (WHO, 2020). In addition to the immediate health risks, teenage pregnancy often leads to social, economic, and educational challenges, perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage. Amidst this complex landscape, nurses play a crucial role in preventing teenage pregnancy and mitigating its adverse effects. Nurses are at the forefront of healthcare delivery, interacting closely with adolescents in various settings, including schools, clinics, and community outreach programs. Through education, counseling, and provision of contraceptive services, nurses can empower teenagers with the knowledge and resources needed to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Teenage pregnancy remains a significant public health concern worldwide, with profound implications for the health and well-being of young mothers and their offspring. Research indicates that teenage mothers are more likely to experience adverse outcomes such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and neonatal mortality, compared to older mothers (Chen et al., 2021). Moreover, teenage pregnancy often disrupts educational attainment and limits socioeconomic opportunities, perpetuating cycles of poverty and disadvantage.
The determinants of teenage pregnancy are complex and multifaceted, influenced by individual, familial, societal, and structural factors. Socioeconomic status, lack of access to education and healthcare, early sexual initiation, and limited knowledge of contraception are among the key contributors to teenage pregnancy rates (Patton et al., 2016). Additionally, cultural norms, gender inequalities, and social pressures may shape adolescents' attitudes and behaviors regarding sexuality and reproductive health.
The number of teenagers giving birth each year is staggering. In fact of the slight more than 10% of young mothers are teenagers. Nigerian birth rate for adolescent is one of the highest in the world and the prevalence among female adolescent in Nigeria of sexually transmitted infection including HIV is climbing rapidly. In an effect to reduce her high pregnancy rate by teenagers including other problems, Nigerians developed a national reproduction health policy in the year 2000 that focuses on preventing risk sexual behaviour during adolescent Nigeria demographic and health survey 2004, Abuja Nigeria Commission 2006. While sexual knowledge is higher among young people put of school sexual experience while in school pay prompt students to acquire sexual knowledge and to move out of school. In Nigeria, pregnancy and motherhood mark the end of school attendance and by 16 years, 21% female adolescent are either pregnant or have given birth. Teenagers face daily pressure from peers, they are expose to influence of TV movies, the music industry and internet etc unfortunately young ones are too inexperienced to handle the consequences of pregnancy.
Teenage pregnancy has become serious public health problem particularly in the developing countries and researches that have been conducted have shown that it has been on the increase. Research conducted also shows that teenage pregnancy poses health problem in developed countries like America. Teenage pregnancy in developed countries are usually outside of marriage and for this reason, it carries a social stigma in many communities and countries. Some teenage pregnancies in developed countries are usually outside of marriage and for this reason it carries a social stigma in many communities and countries. Some teenage pregnancy occurs as a result of young women’s sexual in experience and an inadequate understanding of their reproductive matters and access to contraception are necessary to prevent unintended teenage pregnancies and childbearing. Not all teenagers’ pregnancies are unplanned, however a survey of 589 pregnant western Australian Adolescents (12-17) reported that 17% started that they planned to (Corkindale, 2002).
According to Kinby (2001) victims of teenage pregnancy lacked information or probably were not adequately educated on safe-sex either by their parents, schools or development agencies that could have enabled them deal with friends who lure them into sex prematurely. He stressed further that children of single parents are more vulnerable to teenage pregnancy. in the same vein exposure to sexual content on television, sexuality in the media, pornographic and sex chart rooms by teenagers, could most likely tune them to engage in sexual activities (L’Engle et al., 2006; Park,2008). Acceptance of gift for sex and some adult deliberately taking advantage of poor teenagers, encouraging them into having sex were also noted as factors responsible for teenage pregnancy (United Nation, 2001).
Yampolslaaya, Brown and Greenbaum (2002) posited that approximately 60% of adolescent mothers live in poverty at the time of the birth of their babies and “approximately 73% go on welfare within 5 years of giving birth”, its associated motherhood are characterized with shame, disgrace, and school dropout sometimes end up the individual’s dreams of achieving higher pursuits. Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to assess the role of a nurse in the prevention of the teenage pregnancy menace.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that many adolescents receive inadequate or inaccurate information about sexual and reproductive health, including contraception and STI prevention, due to gaps in sex education programs (Kirby, 2007). This lack of knowledge contributes to risky sexual behaviors and unintended pregnancies among teenagers. Also, adolescents face barriers in accessing contraceptive services, including confidentiality concerns, cost, and parental consent requirements (Bearinger et al., 2007). Restricted access to contraception increases the likelihood of unprotected sex and unintended pregnancies among teenagers.
Additionally, Stigmatization of teenage pregnancy and cultural taboos surrounding discussions of sexuality may hinder adolescents from seeking reproductive health information and services (Stanger-Hall & Hall, 2011). Negative attitudes towards teenage sexuality can exacerbate the challenges of preventing teenage pregnancy.
Furthermore, adolescents from marginalized communities, including those from low-income families and ethnic minorities, may face systemic barriers to accessing healthcare and educational opportunities (Geronimus et al., 2016). Socioeconomic disparities contribute to elevated rates of teenage pregnancy among disadvantaged populations. It is on this backdrop that addressing these challenges is essential for enhancing the role of nurses in preventing teenage pregnancy and promoting the sexual and reproductive health of adolescents.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to examine the role of a nurse in the prevention of the teenage pregnancy menace. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To assess the impact of nursing interventions on reducing the incidence of teenage pregnancy and improving adolescent reproductive health outcomes;
- To explore the current practices and approaches employed by nurses in the prevention of teenage pregnancy;
- To examine the barriers and challenges faced by nurses in effectively addressing teenage pregnancy within healthcare settings;
- To investigate the perspectives and experiences of adolescents regarding the role of nurses in providing sexual and reproductive healthcare services;
- To identify best practices and evidence-based strategies for strengthening the capacity of nurses to prevent teenage pregnancy and promote adolescent well-being; and
- To propose recommendations for policy development, professional training, and healthcare delivery systems aimed at optimizing the role of nurses in teenage pregnancy prevention efforts.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What is the impact of nursing interventions on reducing the incidence of teenage pregnancy and improving adolescent reproductive health outcomes?
- What are the current practices and approaches employed by nurses in the prevention of teenage pregnancy?
- What are the barriers and challenges faced by nurses in effectively addressing teenage pregnancy within healthcare settings?
- What are the perspectives and experiences of adolescents regarding the role of nurses in providing sexual and reproductive healthcare services?
- What are the best practices and evidence-based strategies for strengthening the capacity of nurses to prevent teenage pregnancy and promote adolescent well-being?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
- H01: Nurses who receive specialized training in adolescent sexual and reproductive health will not demonstrate increased knowledge and competence in providing evidence-based interventions for teenage pregnancy prevention.
- H02: Access to comprehensive sexual education programs facilitated by nurses will not lead to increased awareness and utilization of contraception among adolescents, thereby reducing the rate of unintended pregnancies.
- H03: Increased availability of contraceptive services and counseling provided by nurses will not result in higher rates of contraceptive use among sexually active teenagers, contributing to a decline in teenage pregnancy rates.
- H04: Nurses who adopt a non-judgmental and culturally sensitive approach in their interactions with adolescents will not foster trust and facilitate open communication about sexual health topics, leading to improved health-seeking behaviors and decision-making among teenagers.
- H05: Collaborative efforts between nurses, schools, community organizations, and policymakers will not create supportive environments that empower adolescents to make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health, ultimately reducing the prevalence of teenage pregnancies.
1.7 Significance of Study
The findings from this study will contribute to advancing research in the field of adolescent sexual and reproductive health and nursing practice. By generating new knowledge and insights, this research can guide future studies, educational curricula, and professional training programs, fostering continuous improvement in nursing practice and education.
Furthermore, the findings from this study will inform the development of evidence-based policies and guidelines aimed at strengthening the role of nurses in teenage pregnancy prevention efforts. By advocating for policy changes and promoting best practices in nursing practice, this study can drive positive transformations in healthcare systems and practices.
1.8 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the Knowledge of the role of a nurse in the prevention of the teenage pregnancy menace in Nigeria.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
- Initial Cooperation Delay from Respondents: A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted. This contributed in making the success of this research study difficult.
1.10 Definition of Terms
Teenage Motherhood:
It refers to someone who gives birth between the age of 13 and 19 or a girl who give birth at her teenage age someone who is between 13 and 19 years old.
Nurse:
A healthcare professional who is trained and licensed to provide medical care, including health promotion, disease prevention, and patient education, within various healthcare settings (American Nurses Association, 2021).
Prevention:
Actions and interventions aimed at reducing the occurrence or risk of teenage pregnancy through education, counseling, access to contraception, and addressing underlying social determinants (Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine, 2017).
Menace:
It is a serious or threatening situation that poses harm or danger to individuals or society, in this context referring to the adverse consequences associated with teenage pregnancy.
Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health:
The branch of healthcare that focuses on promoting the physical, emotional, and social well-being of adolescents in relation to their sexual and reproductive health, encompassing education, services, and support (World Health Organization, 2020).
Teenage pregnancy:
It is the process when teenager becomes pregnant.
Puberty:
Adolescence age when secondary sex characteristics, that are breast, public hair develops.
Adolescent:
It refers to a young person age between the age of 10-14 years.
Adoption:
It is the act or process of adopting a child.
Abortion:
It is the removal of expulsion of an embryo or fetus from the uterus resulting in or caused by death.
