Background of the Study:
Teenage pregnancy is a significant public health and social issue, particularly in regions burdened by poverty. In Kebbi State, high rates of teenage pregnancy have been linked to economic deprivation, limited educational opportunities, and inadequate access to reproductive health services. Poverty creates an environment where early marriage and childbearing are often seen as viable options due to economic pressures and cultural norms (Okoro, 2023). Adolescents from impoverished backgrounds may lack the resources and knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health, leading to higher rates of unintended pregnancies.
The socioeconomic challenges in Kebbi State contribute to a cycle of poverty and early childbearing. Families with limited financial resources are more likely to marry off their daughters at a young age, both as a means of economic survival and as a strategy to reduce the financial burden on the household. This early transition to adulthood often results in interrupted education, reduced career opportunities, and long-term economic disadvantages. In turn, teenage mothers face increased risks of health complications during pregnancy and childbirth, as well as social stigmatization and isolation (Ibrahim, 2024).
Current interventions aimed at reducing teenage pregnancy, such as reproductive health education and youth empowerment programs, have had limited success in Kebbi State due to systemic poverty and entrenched cultural practices. There is an urgent need to explore the direct impact of poverty on teenage pregnancy rates and to identify strategies that address the underlying economic and social determinants. Recent studies suggest that comprehensive approaches, which combine educational, economic, and healthcare interventions, can effectively reduce teenage pregnancy rates among impoverished populations (Fatima, 2025). This study aims to assess the impact of poverty on teenage pregnancy in Kebbi State, examining socioeconomic factors, cultural practices, and the effectiveness of existing interventions.
Statement of the Problem :
In Kebbi State, teenage pregnancy remains a critical public health issue, disproportionately affecting girls from low-income families. The prevalence of teenage pregnancy in impoverished communities is driven by a confluence of factors including economic hardship, low educational attainment, and cultural norms that favor early marriage. These factors limit the ability of young women to access reproductive health information and services, thereby increasing the likelihood of early pregnancy (Umar, 2023). The consequences of teenage pregnancy extend beyond health complications for the mother and child; they also contribute to the perpetuation of poverty, as early childbearing often disrupts educational opportunities and limits future economic prospects.
Despite governmental and non-governmental efforts to provide reproductive health education and promote girl-child education, the persistent economic challenges in Kebbi State have hindered progress in reducing teenage pregnancy rates. Inadequate healthcare infrastructure and limited access to contraceptives further exacerbate the problem. Consequently, the cycle of poverty and teenage pregnancy continues, placing a significant burden on individuals, families, and the broader community (Saleh, 2024).
This study aims to investigate how poverty influences teenage pregnancy rates in Kebbi State, with a focus on identifying the key socioeconomic and cultural factors at play. By exploring these relationships, the research will provide evidence-based recommendations for interventions that target both economic empowerment and reproductive health education.
Objectives of the Study:
Research Questions:
Research Hypotheses:
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
The study focuses on rural and urban communities in Kebbi State with high poverty rates. Limitations include potential underreporting of teenage pregnancies and challenges in measuring cultural influences.
Definitions of Terms:
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