UNINTENDED PREGNANCY AND CHILDBEARING AMONG OUT OF SCHOOL UNMARRIED YOUNG WOMEN IN KOSOFE LOCAL GOVERNMENT, LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Unintended pregnancy remains a problem of public health concern in Nigeria particularly among young unmarried women. The stigmatization and health problems attached to unintended pregnancy among young unmarried women is enormous. Unfortunately, there are no enough information that documents the prevalence and determinants of unintended pregnancy and young women in Kosofe Local government Area, Lagos State. This study was therefore conducted to fill the gap. The study used a method of mixed approach, both quantitative and qualitative data was collected using interviewer administered questionnaire and question guide respectively was used to elicit information from three hundred and seventy two respondents who are females aged 10 to 24 years, unmarried and are out of school. While qualitative data was collected using Focus group discussions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi square, binomial logistic regression, and the gompertz model (a =0.05). Qualitative data collected was transcribed and analyzed using the thematic approach of verbal reporting. The mean age of the women was 19years and 29% have had at least a child as at the period of this study. About 13% are currently pregnant, 29% reported having had an unintended pregnancy before, and 11.2% reported they have had abortion. The age and visit to health facility to have a significant relationship with respondent having an unintended pregnancy. Women in the age group 15 to 19 years were 4.364 (CI=0.150 - 0.392, p=0.05) times likely to have unintended pregnancy compared to the age group 20 to 24. The total fertility rate, for out of school unmarried young women in selected communities of Kosofe LGA, was 1.5. Visit to health facility, age of respondent, knowledge of ovulation, and who the respondent lives with were significantly associated with unintended pregnancy. While ethnicity, age of respondent, and age at first sex had were significantly associated with child bearing. Unintended pregnancy and fertility rate among young unmarried out of school women in Kosofe Local Government, Area, Lagos State were high. There is need for strengthening framework on female education in the study area and fertility control measures that are youth friendly should be instituted in the Local government area.