Teenage pregnancies have major health, social and economic consequences for girls, their families and communities. According to the World Health Organisation adolescent mothers (aged 10-19 years) face higher risks of pregnancy complications such as eclampsia, while their babies face higher risk of low birth weight and preterm birth.
Around 10.6% of teenage girls in Ghana were pregnant in 2022, according to a report from the ISSER. In 2023, Akatsi North District ranked 1st with the highest teenage pregnancy rates in the Volta Region.
GNUK and GN Ghana teamed up with the research team from the University of Manchester to investigate the causes of early pregnancy in Akatsi North, and to identify community interventions that could begin to reduce teenage pregnancy rates in the district.
Through primary data collection and focus group discussions with high school students, parents and teachers, the research explores the underlying attitudes of young people towards future marriage and pregnancy.
Findings reveal diverse opinions regarding the causes of teenage pregnancy, suggesting that peer pressure, adolescents’ aspirations, and gender attitudes can play a role in influencing sexual behaviours. Parental neglect, particularly in low-income families, was identified as a significant risk factor. These findings will be used to inform culturally appropriate social intervention programmes in the future, helping us to more effectively address teenage pregnancy in Akatsi North.
The full research report can be downloaded here.
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