Background of the Study
Teenage pregnancy is a public health concern globally, with far-reaching implications for the health of young women, their children, and society at large. In Nigeria, teenage pregnancy rates are notably high, particularly in rural areas, although urban centers like Delta State also experience significant prevalence. The consequences of teenage pregnancy include higher risks of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, school dropout, and social stigma (Ajao & Akpan, 2023). In response to these challenges, healthcare institutions, including teaching hospitals, play a vital role in providing reproductive health education, promoting family planning, and offering healthcare services to teenagers. Nurses are positioned at the frontline of these interventions, as they engage directly with young people and their families.
At Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DSUTH), nurses are integral in reducing teenage pregnancy by providing educational services, counseling, and family planning options. However, the effectiveness of these interventions largely depends on the nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and approach to teenage pregnancy. Despite the recognition of nurses' roles in reproductive health, there is a lack of comprehensive research evaluating how nurses contribute to reducing teenage pregnancy at DSUTH. This gap in the literature warrants investigation, as understanding the specific roles nurses play in preventing teenage pregnancy can guide more targeted interventions.
The study aims to evaluate the current practices and approaches adopted by nurses at DSUTH in reducing teenage pregnancy and the challenges they face in fulfilling this role. By assessing these factors, the research hopes to provide evidence-based recommendations for improving the healthcare services available to teenagers at the hospital.
Statement of the Problem
Teenage pregnancy remains a significant challenge in Nigeria, with Delta State being no exception. Nurses at DSUTH have the potential to influence the reproductive choices of teenagers, but the extent of their involvement in prevention remains unclear. Furthermore, there is little information about the specific interventions and educational practices employed by nurses to reduce teenage pregnancies. It is essential to assess how well nurses are equipped to address this issue and what barriers they face in effectively reducing the prevalence of teenage pregnancy within the community.
Objectives of the Study
To assess the knowledge and attitudes of nurses at DSUTH regarding teenage pregnancy prevention.
To evaluate the role of nurses in educating and counseling teenagers on reproductive health.
To identify the challenges faced by nurses in reducing teenage pregnancy rates at DSUTH.
Research Questions
What is the level of knowledge and attitude of nurses at DSUTH regarding teenage pregnancy prevention?
What role do nurses at DSUTH play in educating and counseling teenagers on reproductive health?
What challenges do nurses face in reducing the prevalence of teenage pregnancy at DSUTH?
Research Hypotheses
There is no significant relationship between the knowledge of nurses and their involvement in teenage pregnancy prevention at DSUTH.
Nurses who have undergone training on adolescent reproductive health are more likely to adopt effective strategies in preventing teenage pregnancies.
Institutional factors (e.g., availability of resources, support from other healthcare providers) do not significantly affect nurses' ability to reduce teenage pregnancy rates at DSUTH.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses working at Delta State University Teaching Hospital, particularly those involved in reproductive health education and teenage pregnancy prevention. The research will examine their knowledge, attitudes, and the interventions they employ. Limitations of the study include the reliance on self-reported data, which may introduce biases, and the study's limited scope to a single healthcare institution, which may affect the generalizability of the findings.
Definitions of Terms
Teenage Pregnancy: Pregnancy occurring in females aged 13 to 19 years, typically before reaching full physical and emotional maturity.
Nurses' Role: The responsibilities and actions taken by nurses in preventing teenage pregnancy, including education, counseling, and advocacy for family planning.
Reproductive Health Education: Information and services aimed at promoting healthy sexual behaviors and preventing unwanted pregnancies.
ABSTRACT
This study was carried out on the effect of sales promotion on product performance and market share of an organ...
ABSTRACT
This study was carried out to examine the effect of sales promotion strategies on customer patrona...
ABSTRACT
This study was carried out to examine the effect of sales promotion strategies on customer patrona...
Abstract
Internal audit system plays a key role in the assurance chain towards accountability and control. therefore the purpose of...
ABSTRACT
This study assessed the effectiveness of multimedia and field trip instructions on the performance and retention of Upper Basic...
ABSTRACT
Tuberculosis is a chronic infection that still remains one of the major health problems in most developing countries. Poor treat...
Background of the study:
Traditional midwives have historically played a critical role in maternal healthcare in Epe Local...
Background to the Study
Several groups have urged the government to revamp the country's tax system...
ABSTRACT
This study was carried out on the effect of school climate and teacher productivity on students academic perfor...
Background of the Study
Conflict resolution is a critical process in fostering peace and stability in communities prone to...