Study of Adolescent Pregnancy Prevalence and Determinants in Rivers State

Adolescent pregnancy has profound demographic and developmental consequences, and its prevalence and determinants in Rivers State provide context-specific evidence for adolescent reproductive health programming in South South Nigeria. This study assessed the prevalence and determinants of adolescent pregnancy among girls aged 15 to 19 in Port Harcourt, Obio-Akpor, and Emohua Local Government Areas, Rivers State. A cross-sectional survey of 360 female adolescents collected data on pregnancy history, sexual debut age, contraceptive use, school enrolment status, parental supervision, peer influence, and economic status. Adolescent pregnancy prevalence was 27.2 percent. Sexual debut before age 15 was reported by 31.4 percent. Out-of-school adolescents showed 3.8 times higher pregnancy prevalence than enrolled students. Peer pressure was cited as the primary influence on sexual initiation by 45.7 percent. Knowledge of pregnancy prevention was moderate but did not translate into consistent contraceptive use. Recommendations include school-based comprehensive sexuality education, community-based adolescent sexual and reproductive health services, engagement of community leaders, peer educator programmes, and expanded access to youth-friendly contraceptive services in Rivers State.

Keywords: adolescent pregnancy, Rivers State, reproductive health, contraceptive use, youth fertility These findings emphasise the urgent need for adolescent-responsive reproductive health services and comprehensive sexuality education in Rivers State secondary schools. Strengthening peer educator networks and healthcare confidentiality is also essential for improving youth health outcomes.