Sexual and Reproductive Health Challenges of Adolescent Males and Females in some Communities of Plateau State Nigeria

Type Journal Article - International Journal of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences
Title Sexual and Reproductive Health Challenges of Adolescent Males and Females in some Communities of Plateau State Nigeria
Author(s)
Volume 7
Issue 2
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2017
Page numbers 55-60
URL http://article.sapub.org/10.5923.j.ijpbs.20170702.02.html
Abstract
Background: Unsafe sex is a common practice among adolescents in Nigeria resulting in unintended pregnancy, which eventually ends in unsafe abortion and STI. Methodology: An exploratory qualitative study was conducted among adolescents between the ages of 18 to 19 years in Plateau state, Nigeria from June to July 2016. Eight Focus group discussions with adolescents who were in groups of males and females, 4 in-depth interviews with parents and 4 in-depth interviews with health care providers were conducted. Results: Three major sexual and reproductive health problems were specifically mentioned during the discussion as challenging to adolescents namely; unintended pregnancy, unsafe abortion and STI/HIV. All the respondents mentioned that abortion is a common practice among female adolescent who are confronted with unintended pregnancy. Majority of those who abort their pregnancies do so either using local concoctions or visit quacks and unprofessional like the local medicine vendors. Both health care providers and parents reported a high rate of unintended pregnancy and abortion among adolescents. Conclusion: This study found that unprotected sex is a common practice among adolescents in Plateau State resulting in unintended pregnancy, which leads to unsafe abortion. Both male and female adolescents are faced with the challenge of STIs as a result of unsafe sexual practice.

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