Peer Influence, Self-Esteem and Parental Occupation as Determinants of Attitude to Teenage Pregnancy Among Secondary Schools Adolescents in Lagos State
Samuel Olufemi Adeniyi, Bukola Ahimie & Bose Deji-Oderinde
1,2 &*3Department of Educational Foundations, Faculty of Education, University of Lagos, Nigeria Email: dejioderindebose@gmail.com
Abstract
Teenage pregnancy remains a significant public health concern, particularly in developing regions such as Nigeria, where it is associated with adverse health, educational, and socioeconomic outcomes. Adolescents' attitudes towards teenage pregnancy play a crucial role in shaping their reproductive behaviors and choices. This study examines peer influence, self-esteem, and parental occupation as key determinants of attitudes towards teenage pregnancy among 250 secondary school adolescents (ages 13-16) in Lagos State, Nigeria. Hinged on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the Precaution Adoption Process Model (PAPM). A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted using structured questionnaires measuring peer influence, self-esteem, parental occupation, and attitudes towards teenage pregnancy (assessed on a 4-point Likert scale). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis. The results showed that adolescents with high peer influence had more permissive attitudes towards teenage pregnancy compared to those with low peer influence (F = 4.21, p = 0.018), while those with low self-esteem were more likely to view teenage pregnancy as acceptable, compared to those with high self-esteem (F = 6.02, p = 0.011). Furthermore, the findings revealed that Parental occupation significantly influenced attitudes, since adolescents from low-income families were more likely to hold positive attitudes towards teenage pregnancy compared to those from higher-income families (F = 5.31, p = 0.023). The findings suggest that social and psychological factors significantly shape adolescents’ perceptions of teenage pregnancy. Interventions should focus on reducing peer-driven acceptance of teenage pregnancy, promoting self-esteem development, and addressing socioeconomic disparities to reshape adolescents’ attitude to teenage pregnancy. The study contributes to adolescent health research by highlighting the importance of social norms and self-perception in shaping sexual attitudes and behaviors. The study recommends peer-led education programs, self-esteem development interventions, and targeted socioeconomic support programs to mitigate teenage pregnancy risks.
Keywords
Teenage Pregnancy, Peer Influence, Self-Esteem, Parental Occupation, Theory of Planned Behavior, Precaution Adoption Process Model
Reference
Abiy, T., Teketel, E., & Aklilu, M. (2018). Assessment of pre-marital sex and its associated factors among rift valley university college students, Jimma campus, southwest Ethiopia. Journal of Nursing Care, 7(1), 27-33.
Adeniyi, S., Olufemi-Adeniyi, O., & Raheem, A. (2021). Efficacy of cognitive therapy on the management of psychological distress among adolescents with hearing impairment in Oyo State. International Journal of Special Education, 36(2), 90-97.
Agba,M.,Agba,A.,&Ndubisi B.,(2022) . Psychosocial determinant of teenage pregnancy among selected Secondary School Students in Akamkpa Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria. Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences. 28(1),51-62.
Ayoade, O., Blavo, F., Farotimi, A., & Nwozichi, C. (2015). Sociodemographic factors as predictors of sexual behavior of secondary school students in Lagos State, Nigeria. International Journal of Medicine & Public Health, 5(2).
Duru, C., Ubajaka, C., Nnebue, C., Ifeadike, C., & Okoro, O. (2010). Sexual behaviour and practices among secondary school adolescents in Anambra State, Nigeria. Afrimedic Journal, 2(1), 22-27.
Envuladu, E., Van de Kwaak, A., Zwanikken, P., & Zoakah, A. I. (2017). Exploring the factors influencing adolescent sexual behavior in plateau state Nigeria. American Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences, 7(1), 1-6.
Folahan, B., (2016). Perceptions of peer pressure, peer conformity dispositions, and self-reported behaviour among adolescents. Journal of Developmental Psychology, 22(1), 521-530.
Ilegbusi, P., & Adenuga, K.(2024). Factors Responsible For Early Pregnancy Among Female Teenagers In Esure, Akure South Local Government Area, Ondo State. In Members Of Conference Organising Committee 1(2),287-289.
Kassa, G., Arowojolu, A., Odukogbe, A.& Yalew, A.,(2018). Prevalence and determinants of adolescent pregnancy in Africa: a systematic review and meta- analysis. Journal of Reproductive Health ,15(195),1-17.
Makinde, B., Ahimie, B., & Idowu, R. (2013). Socio-psychological Analysis of Modern-day Begging and Rehabilitative Counselling Approach in Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria. Społeczeństwo i Rodzina, 1(34), 116-130.
Olorunsola, A. M., Muyibi, S. A., Irabor, A. E., Adetunji, A. A., Ismail, W. O., & Ogunniyan, T. (2021). Pattern and predictors of sexual behaviour among adolescents in Ibadan, South West, Nigeria. Archives of Community Medicine and Public Health Journal, 7(2), 175-181.
Sharma, A., & Harsora, H. (2022). A Study On Parent And Peer Influence, Self- Esteem And Life Satisfaction Among Adolescents At Ahmedabad City. Journal of the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda,25(1) , 0422- 0430.
Tegegne, W., (2022). Self-esteem, peer pressure, and demographic predictors of attitude toward premarital sexual practice among first-year students of Woldia University: Implications for psychosocial intervention. Journal of Frontiers in Psychology, 13(1), 923639.
Udigwe, I. B., Adogu, P. O., Nwabueze, A. S., Adinma, E. D., Ubajaka, C. F., & Onwasigwe, C. (2014). Factors influencing sexual behavior among female adolescents in Onitsha, Nigeria. Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 4(16), 987-995.
Weinstein,N. Sandman, P.,Blalock, Karen, G., Rimer,B & Viswanath,K., (2008).The Precaution Adoption Process Model. Health Behavior and Health Education, 4(1),123–147
World Health Organization (2020). Adolescent Pregnancy. https://www.who.int/newsroom/ factsheets/ detail/adolescent-pregnancy.