Abstract
This major purpose of this study was to investigate issues related to teenage
pregnancy among female adolescents in Nsukka Local Government Area
(LGA) of Enugu State. Specifically, the study determined causes of teenage
pregnancy in Nsukka LGA; consequences of teenage pregnancy in the area
and measures towards coping with the teenage pregnancy. Population for
the study consisted of 156 teenage pregnant girls aged 13 – 19 years who
attended the Nsukka Local Government Health Centre. Questionnaire was
used for data collection. Data were analysed using mean and standard
deviation. Findings reveal 14 causes of teenage pregnancy in Nsukka LGA
which include media influence, peer pressure, lack of parental guidance,
among others. There are also 16 consequences of teenage pregnancy,
including higher risks for complications, lack of social support and
dropping out of school, among others. There also 19 coping strategies
identified include preparing for the realities of pregnancy and childbirth,
never m Issuesissing ante-natal and post-natal sessions, among others.
Based on the findings it was recommended among others, that teenager
should be encouraged to abstain from sex to avoid unwanted pregnancies;
parents should endeavour to give their children early and adequate sex
education to prepare them to face their teenage years, sex education should
be a compulsory subject in the secondary schools, right from Junior
Secondary School.