Prevalence and Determinant of Teenage Pregnancy Among the Patients Attending Sexual and Gender Based Violence Unit at General Hospital Gusau Nigeria (2023 - 2024)

Abstract

Teenage pregnancy is a persistent public health concern in low- and middle
income countries, including Nigeria, where socio-economic and gender-based 
vulnerabilities increase adolescent risk. This study assessed the prevalence, 
contributing factors, consequences, and prevention strategies of teenage 
pregnancy among adolescents attending the Sexual and Gender-Based 
Violence (SGBV) Unit at General Hospital Gusau, Zamfara State. A descriptive 
cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2023 to May 2024. Using 
purposive sampling, 74 adolescent girls aged 13–19 years were recruited. Data 
were collected through structured questionnaires and hospital records. 
Descriptive statistics were applied, and prevalence was estimated with 95% 
confidence intervals (CIs). The prevalence of teenage pregnancy was 4.1% 
(95% CI: 0.1%–11.6%), with most cases among late adolescents (16–19 years). 
Contributing factors included poverty (24.3%), low educational attainment 
(18.9%), and sexual abuse (16.2%). Reported psychosocial consequences 
were stigma (48.6%) and maternal depression (31.1%). Healthcare providers 
recommended strengthening adolescent health services, early identification of 
high-risk behaviours, and improving access to family planning, though 
resistance to comprehensive sexuality education was noted. Despite the 
relatively low prevalence, teenage pregnancy in this setting is linked with 
significant psychosocial and socio-economic burdens. Addressing this issue 
requires integrated, culturally sensitive interventions that reduce poverty, 
expand educational opportunities, prevent sexual abuse, and improve 
adolescent-friendly 
reproductive health services. Greater community 
acceptance of sexuality education and protection of adolescent reproductive 
rights are critical to sustainable prevention.