Factors associated with teenage pregnancy and motherhood in Nigeria

Ayodeji Kupoluyi, Obafemi Awolowo University
Bosede Oyinloye, Obafemi Awolowo University
Elizabeth O. Njoku, Obafemi Awolowo University

Teenage pregnancy and childbearing is persistent in Nigeria despite efforts to reduce the rates. Previous studies focused on health, social and economic implications. However, studies on determinants of teenage pregnancy and childbearing have been minimal. Hence, this study examines factors associated with teenage pregnancy and childbearing. Using the 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey data; a sample of 7,819 female teenagers who were pregnant as at the time of the survey or having had a child in the last five years preceding the survey were used and analyzed. The analyses were performed using descriptive and logistic regression analyses. The results found that the incidence of teenage pregnancy and childbearing reduced as educational levels, wealth status, and age at first sex increased. The study concluded that education, wealth status and age at first sex hold great potentials in reducing the incidence of teenage pregnancy and childbearing in Nigeria.