Ilika Amobi, Igwegbe Anthony
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi, Nigeria.
Afr J Reprod Health. 2004 Dec;8(3):92-102.
This study identified the characteristics and factors influencing unintended pregnancy among unmarried young women in a rural community in south-east Nigeria. One hundred and thirty six unmarried teens with unintended pregnancy attending a Christian hospital in Ozubulu, a rural community in south-east Nigeria, from January 1998 to December 2001 were included in the study. Information was obtained using a semi-structured questionnaire and in-depth interview. Over 75% of the girls had their first sexual intercourse by 19 years, and over 69% had multiple partners. Over 95% had sex for economic reasons and exchanged sex for money or gifts. Only 13.5% ever used condoms. Ninety seven per cent suffered violence such as beating and verbal abuse from family members because of the pregnancy. Most of the adolescents or young women experienced major stressors, most importantly school and job termination, partner's negative attitude, religious sanction, discrimination and stigmatisation as a result of the unintended pregnancy. Unmarried pregnant adolescents or young women have particular health and psychosocial problems. Stakeholders in adolescent health, namely, parents, teachers, religious groups and health care providers, should recognise these problems and advocate for the provision of appropriate care and youth-friendly services to help youths navigate through these problems.
本研究确定了尼日利亚东南部一个农村社区未婚年轻女性意外怀孕的特征及影响因素。1998年1月至2001年12月期间，在尼日利亚东南部农村社区奥祖布卢一家基督教医院就诊的136名意外怀孕的未婚青少年被纳入研究。通过半结构化问卷和深入访谈获取信息。超过75%的女孩在19岁前发生了首次性行为，超过69%的女孩有多个性伴侣。超过95%的女孩出于经济原因发生性行为，并用性换取金钱或礼物。只有13.5%的人曾使用过避孕套。97%的人因怀孕遭受家庭成员的殴打和言语虐待等暴力行为。大多数青少年或年轻女性经历了重大压力源，最重要的是因意外怀孕导致学业和工作终止、伴侣的消极态度、宗教制裁、歧视和污名化。未婚怀孕的青少年或年轻女性有特殊的健康和心理社会问题。青少年健康领域的利益相关者，即父母、教师、宗教团体和医疗服务提供者，应认识到这些问题，并倡导提供适当的护理和对青少年友好的服务，以帮助年轻人应对这些问题。
