Background: Teenage pregnancy is a major public health problem worldwide, also in
northern Ghana. The aim of this study was to identify factors contributing to
the rising trend in teenage pregnancy and the resultant effects. Materials
and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using a quasi-structured
questionnaire on 60 pregnant teenagers. Demographic data and factors associated
with teenage pregnancy were collected/analyzed. Results: The mean age of
respondents was 17.25 ± 1.93 years. Junior high school students or graduates
accounted for 55%. About 35% of participants dropped out of school due to
pregnancy. The following factors were identified to be associated with teenage
pregnancy: low socio-economic status, no/less sexual- and
reproductive-communication with parents, low level of education, no sexual and
reproductive health knowledge, and unsafe sexual behaviours. The consequences
of teenage pregnancy identified were: truncation of the girls’ education,
psychological trauma, and worsening family relationships. The following health
consequences were identified; anaemia in pregnancy, severe malaria,
hypertension in pregnancy, and prolonged labour. Conclusion: The
following factors may account for the rising trend in teenage pregnancy in this
area: family-related problem, sociocultural factors, low education level, and
the lack of adequate knowledge on reproductive health. Teenage pregnancy caused
several problems in themselves and their family members.
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