Adolescents’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions Regarding Sexual and Reproductive Health and Teenage Pregnancy in La, Greater Accra Region

This study came about as a result the identification of the persisting problem of teenage pregnancy in La. The study sought to assess adolescents’ knowledge, perception and attitudes of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) in the La community. To achieve this purpose, 386 teenagers (15-19 years) living in La were purposively selected from schools as well as some key informants (counsellors and peer educators) through a multi stage sampling technique. Data was gathered from the students through the use of a structured questionnaire whilst data was obtained from the key informants through the use of interviews. The data that was gathered was analysed using inferential and descriptive statistics. Results from the study showed that majority of the respondents did not have much knowledge about modern family planning methods, how to use contraceptives and the menstrual cycle. Majority of them had begun consuming alcohol, watching pornographic films, engaging in sexual activities as well as not using contraceptives whilst having sex. Also, most of the respondents had the perception that becoming pregnant or impregnating someone was a way of proving one’s fertility. They also had the perception that their families would support them in case they either got pregnant or impregnated someone. In relation to the teenage pregnancy situation in La, it was found that there was an association between teenage pregnancy and the adolescents’ knowledge of STDs/STIs, how to prevent STDs/STIs, knowledge of contraceptives, entering into sexual relationships, engaging in sex, not using contraceptives whilst having sex and the perception that pregnancy proves one’s fertility. A probit regression that was run further showed that sex of the respondents, educational backgrounds of the respondents and living with non-relatives all had marginal effects on the teenage pregnancy situation in La. It also showed that there was a positive relationship between teenage pregnancy in La and the risky sexual behaviour exhibited by the teenagers of La.