CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1      Background of the Study

Teenage pregnancy can be defined as pregnancy occurring in a girl between the ages of 13 – 17 years (Drife, 2001).

Teenage pregnancy is defined as an underage girl (usually within the age of 13 – 19) becoming pregnant. (Grobler, 2003).

This may occur in both married and unmarried girls of this age group. Majority of the teenagers become pregnant without having what is takes to be a mother. As a result, they encounter a lot of problems and difficulties in the process. This is found in all societies but more especially in northern part of the country, Nigeria. More emphasis will be placed on Chikun Community where lack of parental care and the way parents give their daughters in marriage at a very tender age has contributed to high rate of teenage pregnancies in the community.    

Globally, South Africa has as a very high rate of teenage pregnancy and teenage parenthood. The average age of the mother is about 19 years. (Grobler, 2003). He as observed that the mortality rate and morbidity amongst the babies form by these mothers is high and the mothers have high risk of having complications such as hypertension and intrapartum complications.

Teenage pregnancy is common in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State. According to (Ruth, 2003) early sexual activity poses health problems to young women, some of the problems include anemia, pregnancy induced hypertension and prolonged labour. The baby is at greater risk of low birth weight and this leads to higher prenatal mortality rate. (Wikipedia, 2009).

Teenage pregnancy makes the teenagers vulnerable to unplanned parenthood. In addition, women who have sex at a very early age are more biologically susceptible to a number of sexual transmitted infections, which include (HIV/AIDS), than adult women. (Myles, 1999).

As a result of teenage pregnancy, many young girls in our society have been rendered hopeless, because of the associated problems especially to little children.

1.2      Statement of the Problem

Teenage pregnancy has health hazard and most teenagers suffer from prolonged labour, Vesico Vaginal Firstula (VVF) and sometimes the mother and baby die during labour. Wikipedia (2009).

Teenage Pregnancy has created problems of child abuse, dumping of children in gutters and on many occasion abortions. Wikipedia (2009).

1.3      Purpose of the Study

The inhabitants of the study area are not aware of the effects of teenage pregnancy as there is no documented information on the effects in the area. Therefore, this study will provide documented useful information on the effect of teenage pregnancy.

1.4      Significance of the Study    

1.   By the end of the study the inhabitants of the study are will be aware of the effects of teenage pregnancy and stop forcing their young girls to early marriages.

2.   The research will provide useful information to both the State and Local Government on how to manage or solve the problems created by teenage pregnancy.

3.   The work will add to the available literature on the topic for future students.

1.5      Justification of the Study       

Teenage pregnancy made many of the teenagers not to finish their schooling and sometimes their genitals are damaged permanently leading to untold hardship.

The research will create awareness on the effects of teenage pregnancy to the inhabitants of the study are and also give useful recommendations.

1.6      Aim of the Study

The broad objective of this study is to determine the effect of teenage pregnancy of inhabitants of Chikun Community of Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

1.7      Specific Objectives

1.   To identify the causes of teenage pregnancy in the study area.

2.   To determine whether culture is a contributory factor to teenage pregnancy in the study area.

3.   To identify those with VVF or other complications resulting from teenage pregnancy in the study area.

4.   To determine the number of people that had died due to teenage pregnancy in the study area.

1.8      Research Questions

1.   What are the factors respondents for teenage pregnancies in Chikun Community?

2.   What is the role of culture in causing teenage pregnancy in Chikun Community?

3.   What is the role of teenage pregnancy in the cause of VVF in teenagers?

4.   What association has teenage pregnancy with the sudden death of many teenagers?

1.9      Scope of the Study

This research is restricted to only Chikun Community in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The study also focused on negative effects of teenage pregnancy in Chikun Community.

1.10  Definition of Terms

1.     Child Abuse: Maltreatment of the younger ones. (Yusufu, 2004)

2.     Culture: This is defined as the belief, customs and social institution of a particular community. (Willcox, 1999).

3.     Disease: A state of in balance of one or more cells component or condition of cells fluid. (Omojaye, 2004).

4.     Delinquency: Minor offence of misdeed especially by the young ones. (Wikipedia, 2009).

5.     Early Marriage: Early marriage can be defined as a union of man and woman either legally or illegally below the age of eighteen (18) or (below the normal age of child bearing) (Ruth, 2003).

6.     HIV/AIDS: Human Immune Deficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.

7.     Health: Is defined as a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity (WHO, 2002).

8.     Illiteracy: Inability to read and write. (Jonah, 2003)

9.     Teenage: Young person between 13 – 17 years (Myles, 1999)

10.             Vesico – Vaginal Fistula: An abnormal opening between the bladder and the vagina (Myles, 1999).