PERCEIVED CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES OF PREMARITAL SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP AND TEENAGE PREGNANCY AMONG IN-SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN ILORIN METROPOLIS, KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated the perceived consequences of premarital sexual relationships and teenage pregnancy among in-school adolescents in Ilorin metropolis of Kwara state. The study employed the descriptive survey research design.  A total of 200 respondents comprising in-school adolescents in Ilorin metropolis of Kwara state from the targeted population were used in the study. Research instruments “Consequences of Premarital Sexual Relationship Questionnaire (CPSRQ) and “Teenage Pregnancy Questionnaire” (TPQQ) were used to collect necessary data. The collected data were analyzed using frequency count, percentage, Ranking Order, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The findings revealed that the desire for love and intimacy ranked first, as a cause of premarital sexual relationship and teenage pregnancy, while loss of virginity and disruption in education are the major consequences of premarital sexual relationship and teenage pregnancy among in-school adolescents in Ilorin metropolis. The findings also demonstrated that there is a significant difference in the consequences of teenage pregnancy based on peer influence, but no significant association in the consequences of teenage pregnancy based on attitude toward teenage pregnancy. It was suggested that parents cultivate love, affection, and open communication with their adolescent children. By raising knowledge of the risks associated with teenage pregnancy, the government can also play a significant role. Policymakers can also incorporate sexuality education into the school curriculum.