PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF LIFE CHANCES OF TEENAGE PREGNANCY AND MOTHERS IN EKITI STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The general objective of this study was to explore the public perception of life chances of teenage pregnancy in Ekiti State with special focus on rural areas. Reality theory of William Glasser propounded in 1965 was used as guide for the study. Isokan Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Ekiti State was purposively selected as a case of rural community. Structured interviews and key informant interviews were used for data collection. A total of 384 copies of structured interview schedule were administered and collected for analysis while 11 key informant interviews were facilitated among primary stakeholders of the plight of teenage pregnancy. Findings show that awareness of teenage pregnancy is high among the respondents with 76 percent aware of at least a pregnant teenager in their family. Teenage pregnancy is associated with rurality (73 percent), parental poor education (83 percent), and poverty. Male respondents hold higher level of awareness than female respondents. Social stigma is the most mentioned challenge of pregnant teenagers, then economic, health and inability to attain desired educational level. The life chances of pregnant teenagers are affected by distortion of schooling, and trap of poverty. It is recommended that school based sexual and reproductive health services should be prioritised in all secondary schools in the State, and addressing the fixated social and cultural barriers to access to adolescent contraceptive and life skills.