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IMPACT OF TEENAGE PREGNANCY ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF IN-SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS AS EXPRESSED BY TEACHERS IN OGBOMOSO, OYO STATE

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Abstract

This study explores the impact of teenage pregnancy on academic performance among in-school adolescents in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria, as perceived by teachers. The research was conducted using a mixed-method approach, which involved both quantitative and qualitative methods. Data was collected through questionnaires and interviews with teachers in selected secondary schools in Ogbomoso. The study found that teenage pregnancy has a significant negative impact on the academic performance of in-school adolescents, as reported by the teachers. The study also revealed that the prevalence of teenage pregnancy is relatively high in the study area, with a higher incidence among female students. The findings suggest that efforts should be made to address the issue of teenage pregnancy in the study area through comprehensive sex education and the provision of reproductive health services to adolescents. It is hoped that the findings of this study will contribute to the formulation of policie

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Teenage pregnancy is a significant public health issue in Nigeria, particularly among in-school adolescents. It is associated with a range of negative outcomes, including poor academic performance, higher rates of school dropout, and increased risk of poverty and social exclusion (National Population Commission, 2019). According to the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), the teenage pregnancy rate in Nigeria is 19%, with a higher prevalence in rural areas and among less educated and poorer households (National Population Commission, 2019).

The impact of teenage pregnancy on academic performance has been extensively studied globally, with evidence suggesting that teenage pregnancy is associated with poor academic outcomes, such as lower grades, increased absenteeism, and higher rates of school dropout (Sedgh et al., 2015). In Nigeria, several studies have also shown a significant association between teenage pregnancy and poor academic performance (Adepoju et al., 2019; Olugbenga-Bello et al., 2013).

Despite the growing concern about the impact of teenage pregnancy on academic performance in Nigeria, there is a lack of comprehensive data on the extent of the problem and its determinants, particularly from the perspectives of teachers who are in a unique position to observe the academic performance of their students and identify factors that may be contributing to poor academic outcomes among pregnant adolescents. This study seeks to address this gap by exploring the impact of teenage pregnancy on the academic performance of in-school adolescents as expressed by teachers in Ogbomoso, Oyo state.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Teenage pregnancy is a significant public health issue in Nigeria, particularly among in-school adolescents, with a high prevalence and negative consequences on the academic performance of affected students. However, there is a lack of comprehensive data on the extent of the problem and its determinants, particularly from the perspectives of teachers who are in a unique position to observe the academic performance of their students and identify factors that may be contributing to poor academic outcomes among pregnant adolescents. This study seeks to address this gap by exploring the impact of teenage pregnancy on the academic performance of in-school adolescents as expressed by teachers in Ogbomoso, Oyo state.

1.3 Research Questions

The following research questions will guide the study:

1. What are the factors contributing to teenage pregnancy among in-school adolescents in Ogbomoso, Oyo state?
2. To what extent does teenage pregnancy affect the academic performance of in-school adolescents in Ogbomoso, Oyo state?
3. What support is available for pregnant in-school adolescents in Ogbomoso, Oyo state?

 

1.4 Research Hypotheses

The following research hypotheses are formulated for this study:

Hypothesis 1: There is a significant association between teenage pregnancy and academic performance among in-school adolescents in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

Hypothesis 2: Teenage pregnancy negatively affects the academic performance of in-school adolescents in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

These hypotheses will be tested through data analysis to determine the relationship between teenage pregnancy and academic performance among in-school adolescents in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria.

1.5 Purpose of the Study

The main objective of this study is to explore the impact of teenage pregnancy on the academic performance of in-school adolescents as expressed by teachers in Ogbomoso, Oyo state. Specifically, the study aims to:

1. Identify the factors contributing to teenage pregnancy among in-school adolescents in Ogbomoso, Oyo state.
2. Examine the extent to which teenage pregnancy affects the academic performance of in-school adolescents in Ogbomoso, Oyo state.
3. Assess the support available for pregnant in-school adolescents in Ogbomoso, Oyo state.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study is significant in several ways. First, it will provide comprehensive data on the extent of teenage pregnancy and its impact on academic performance among in-school adolescents in Ogbomoso, Oyo state, which can inform policy interventions to address the problem. Second, the study will highlight the factors contributing to teenage pregnancy and identify areas for targeted interventions to prevent teenage pregnancy among in-school adolescents. Third, the study will provide insights into the support available for pregnant in-school adolescents and identify areas where additional support may be needed. Fourth, the study will contribute to the existing body of knowledge on teenage pregnancy and its impact on academic performance in Nigeria, particularly from the perspective of teachers.

1.7 Scope and Limitations of the Study

This study focuses on the impact of teenage pregnancy on the academic performance of in-school adolescents as expressed by teachers in Ogbomoso, Oyo state. The study will be limited to selected secondary schools in the area. The study will also be limited by the availability and willingness of teachers to participate in the survey.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

Teenage pregnancy: Pregnancy occurring in girls aged 19 years or below.

Academic performance: Refers to the performance of students in academic activities such as tests, examinations, and assignments.In-school adolescents: Refers to students currently enrolled in secondary school.

Ogbomoso: A town in Oyo state, Nigeria.

1.9 Organization of the Study

This study is organized into five chapters. Chapter one provides an introduction to the study, including the background, statement of the problem, objectives, research questions, significance, scope, and limitations of the study. Chapter two reviews the literature on teenage pregnancy and its impact on academic performance, with a focus on Nigeria. Chapter three describes the research methodology, including the study design, population and sampling, data collection, and data analysis procedures. Chapter four presents the findings of the study, including an analysis of the data collected. Finally, chapter five provides a summary of the study, conclusions, and recommendations for future research.