Background of the study
Unsafe abortion remains a significant public health concern globally, particularly in regions with limited access to comprehensive reproductive health services. Within the context of adolescent girls, the repercussions of unsafe abortion extend beyond the physical realm, encompassing profound psychosocial effects. This introduction delves into the intricate interplay between unsafe abortion and the psychosocial well-being of adolescent girls in the Yayu District of Katagum Local Government Area (LGA) of Bauchi State, Nigeria. By elucidating the definitions of key concepts, exploring the relationship between variables, and identifying triggering factors, this research aims to shed light on the multifaceted nature of this issue. Unsafe abortion, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), refers to termination of pregnancy either by persons lacking the necessary skills or in an environment that does not conform to minimal medical standards, or both (WHO, 2021). It encompasses procedures performed by individuals without appropriate training, in unhygienic conditions, or using methods that pose health risks to the woman. Psychosocial well-being encompasses the psychological and social dimensions of an individual's health. It pertains to factors such as mental health, emotional resilience, social support networks, and overall quality of life (WHO, 2014). Adolescence is a transitional period between childhood and adulthood, typically spanning from ages 10 to 19 (UNICEF, 2018). Adolescent girls within this context represent a vulnerable demographic group facing unique challenges related to physical, emotional, and social development. The relationship between unsafe abortion and the psychosocial well-being of adolescent girls is complex and bidirectional. Unsafe abortion procedures often lead to physical complications, such as hemorrhage, infection, and injury, which can exacerbate psychological distress (Sedgh et al., 2019). Additionally, the stigma surrounding abortion in many societies contributes to feelings of guilt, shame, and social isolation among adolescent girls who undergo the procedure (Ganatra et al., 2017). These psychosocial consequences, in turn, may hinder recovery and impede access to necessary support services. Restrictive abortion laws and policies limit access to safe and legal abortion services, compelling adolescent girls to resort to unsafe methods (Bearak et al., 2020). Social stigma and cultural norms surrounding premarital sex and abortion may deter adolescent girls from seeking safe abortion care, leading them to clandestine providers or self-induced methods (Moore et al., 2018). Stigmatization and judgment from family members, peers, and community members following an abortion can profoundly impact the mental well-being of adolescent girls (Hessini, 2007). Lack of access to confidential and nonjudgmental counseling services exacerbates feelings of isolation and distress among adolescent girls who have undergone unsafe abortions (Sedgh et al., 2019). By examining these variables and their interrelationships, this research endeavors to inform interventions and policies aimed at mitigating the adverse psychosocial consequences of unsafe abortion among adolescent girls in the Yayu District of Katagum LGA of Bauchi State.
1.2 Statement of the problem
Unsafe abortion remains a significant public health concern globally, particularly among adolescent girls in low-resource settings. Yayu District, located within the Katagum Local Government Area (LGA) of Bauchi State, Nigeria, confronts challenges associated with unsafe abortion practices among its adolescent female population. While the physical health consequences of unsafe abortion are well-documented, its profound psychosocial ramifications on adolescent girls often go overlooked. Therefore, the central problem under investigation is to comprehensively understand the psychosocial impact of unsafe abortion on adolescent girls in Yayu District.
1.3 Objective of the study
1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Research hypotheses
Null Hypothesis (H0): unsafe abortion has no effect on the psychosocial age of adolescent girls in yayu district of katagum LGA of bauchi state.
Alternative Hypothesis (H1): unsafe abortion has an effect on the psychosocial age of adolescent girls in yayu district of katagum LGA of bauchi state.
1.6 Significance of the study
Informing Public Health Policies and Interventions: Understanding the psychosocial consequences of unsafe abortion among adolescent girls can provide crucial insights for policymakers and healthcare professionals. By identifying the specific challenges these girls face, such as stigma, guilt, or mental health issues, policymakers can develop targeted interventions to address their needs. This research can influence the design and implementation of comprehensive sexual and reproductive health programs tailored to the local context, ultimately reducing the prevalence of unsafe abortions and mitigating their adverse effects on adolescents' well-being.
Empowering Adolescents and Communities: Research on this topic can empower adolescent girls and their communities by raising awareness about the risks associated with unsafe abortion and the importance of accessible, safe reproductive healthcare services. By shedding light on the psychosocial impact, communities may become more supportive and understanding, reducing the stigma surrounding reproductive health issues. Additionally, adolescents themselves can benefit from increased knowledge about their rights, contraceptive options, and where to seek help if they find themselves in a crisis situation. Empowering individuals with information can lead to better decision-making and improved access to appropriate healthcare services.
Contributing to Global Efforts for Adolescent Health and Rights: Unsafe abortion remains a significant public health concern globally, particularly in regions with limited access to safe reproductive healthcare services. Research conducted in Yayu District can contribute valuable data to the existing body of knowledge on adolescent health and rights, informing global efforts to address this issue. By highlighting the specific challenges faced by adolescent girls in this locality, the research can inform advocacy efforts aimed at improving access to comprehensive sexual education, contraceptives, and safe abortion services. Ultimately, this contributes to the broader goal of promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights for all adolescents, regardless of their geographic location or socioeconomic status.
1.7 Scope of the study
This study focuses to examine if unsafe abortion leads to emotional trauma on adolescent girls in yayu district of katagum LGA of bauchi state, examine if unsafe abortion leads to feelings of isolation and stigma on adolescent girls in yayu district of katagum LGA of bauchi state, and examine if unsafe abortion leads to lower self-esteem and self-worth on adolescent girls in yayu district of katagum LGA of bauchi state. Hence adolescent girls in yayu district of katagum LGA of bauchi state in shall serve as enrolled participants for this study.
1.8 Limitation of the study
Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint are:
Time: The researcher encountered time constraint as the researcher had to carry out this research along side other academic activities such as attending lectures and other educational activities required of her.
Finance: The researcher incurred more financial expenses in carrying out this study such as typesetting, printing, sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process.
Availability of Materials: The researcher encountered challenges in sourcing for literature in this study. The scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse was a limitation to this study.
1.9 Definition of terms
Unsafe Abortion: The termination of pregnancy through procedures conducted by individuals lacking the necessary skills or in environments lacking minimal medical standards, thereby posing a risk to the health and life of the pregnant individual.
Psychosocial: Referring to the psychological and social aspects of an individual's well-being, including mental health, emotional state, interpersonal relationships, and societal interactions.
Adolescent Girls: Young females typically aged between 10 to 19 years old, characterized by the transitional period between childhood and adulthood, marked by physical, emotional, and cognitive development.
ABSTRACT: Methods for Integrating Entrepreneurship into Vocational Curricula examines approaches to fostering entrepreneurial skills and mindsets a...
ABSTRACT:- This study was carried out to examine the influence of negative classroom behaviour in teachers t...
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
The globe was rocked by a pandemic of severe respiratory sickness known as Covi...
Background of the study
Accounting has been defined as the business language, and the accounting profes...
ABSTRACT
No doubt, no matter the development and height any person can scale, food wil...
Abstract
This research work examines media as a tool for promoting arts and culture through tourism development in Niger...
Background of the study
The eating patterns and nutritional condition of college students are cru...
ABSTRACT: Exploring the benefits of early childhood education in supportin...
INTRODUCTION
Agriculture sector in Nigeria is considered a major contributor to economic growth and dev...
ABSTRACT
This study was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of women towards family planning ser...