Teenage Pregnancy and Adolescents’ Attitudes Toward Marriage and Pregnancy: Primary Data Analysis in Akatsi North, Ghana.
Outcomes: Sexual and Reproductive Health
View SourceKey Social Norms Take-aways Peer influence and gender norms are important social drivers of adolescents’ attitudes toward marriage and pregnancy. Peer pressure emerged as the strongest influence on preferences for earlier marriage and childbearing, while more gender-equitable attitudes—particularly valuing university education equally for girls and boys—were associated with delaying marriage. The discussion emphasizes that social norms interventions should engage peers, parents, caregivers, and communities, promote positive peer influence and gender equality, and strengthen adolescents’ educational and career aspirations.
Objectives The study examined factors contributing to early pregnancy in Akatsi North, Ghana, with particular attention to adolescents’ attitudes toward marriage and pregnancy and how gender norms, peer pressure, family relationships, and socioeconomic and cultural factors shape these attitudes.
Methods This mixed-methods baseline study collected data in February–March 2023. A multistage cluster sample included approximately 600 students aged 10–19 from 20 junior and senior high schools, complemented by six focus group discussions with adolescents, parents, community members, traditional and religious leaders, health workers, and district stakeholders. Quantitative analyses included linear and logistic regression, while qualitative data were analyzed using constant comparison and process tracing. Social norms-related measures included a peer pressure index and a gender norm item assessing agreement that university education is more important for boys than girls, alongside attitudes about appropriate ages for marriage and first childbirth and the desirability of premarital pregnancy. Focus groups explored gender norms, peer pressure, family planning, and community and family influences.
Results Higher peer pressure was associated with younger expected ages at marriage (β=−0.27, p<0.05) and first childbirth (β=−0.21, p<0.05). More gender-equitable attitudes were associated with postponing marriage (β=0.32, p<0.05), although gender norms were not clearly associated with expected age at first birth. Students who valued girls’ education and career development were also more likely to oppose having a baby before marriage. Qualitative findings showed that peer misinformation, stigma around adolescents seeking contraception, and community moral expectations could restrict access to reliable family planning information. Conclusions: Peer pressure, gender-equitable attitudes, educational and career aspirations, and family and community relationships shape adolescents’ marriage and pregnancy attitudes. The authors recommend sustained social engagement that provides accurate sexual and reproductive health information, strengthens parent–adolescent communication, promotes positive peer interactions, and supports education and economic aspirations for both girls and boys.
Disclaimer: These summaries were generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence and are based on the interpretation of source documents. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and clarity, there may be errors or omissions. Users are encouraged to consult the original documents for complete and authoritative information.