EFFECT OF UNPLANNED PREGNANCY AMONG TEENAGERS ON THE HEALTH SYSTEM IN THE NORTH EAST NIGERIA

ABSTRACTUnintended or adolescent pregnancy has become a major public health challenge in Nigeria, particularly in the North-East region. It is increasingly common to observe teenage mothers across various states in the country. Teenage pregnancy refers to pregnancy occurring among females aged 13 19 years. This study therefore seeks to examine the effect of unplanned pregnancy among teenagers on the health system in North-East Nigeria.World Bank indicators reveal that teenage mothers accounted for approximately 22.9% of women in Nigeria in 2010, most of whom belonged to low socio-economic backgrounds. This proportion has continued to rise over the years, underscoring the urgent need for effective interventions to curb its adverse socio-economic and health consequences.The study adopted a descriptive survey research design, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection. Respondents were purposively selected from secondary schools, health centers, and selected communities across North-East Nigeria. A sample size of 400 teenagers was determined using the Taro Yamane (1967) formula. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and chi-square statistical techniques.The theoretical framework was anchored on Davis and Blake’s Theory of Fertility, which was used to explain the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. The dependent variables were decomposed into social, economic, and psychological dimensions. Findings revealed that unplanned teenage pregnancy is driven by factors such as early exposure to sexual activity, peer influence, inadequate sexual education, and poor parental guidance.The study further established that psycho-socio-economic background is a strong predictor of teenage pregnancy, highlighting the need for targeted interventions from the reproductive health system. The study recommends that policies supporting safe reproductive health services be strengthened and integrated into Nigeria’s legal and healthcare frameworks to mitigate the psychological, social, and economic burdens associated with unplanned teenage pregnancy. Keywords: Unplanned pregnancy; Teenage pregnancy; Davis and Blake’s theory of fertility; Socio-economic status; Psychological status