TEENAGERS

Teenage pregnancy remains a critical public health concern with significant health, educational, and socio-economic implications for adolescents. This study examined the role of health education in preventing teenage pregnancy among teenagers in Ovbiogie Community. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from 200 adolescents using a structured and validated questionnaire administered through simple random sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, and mean scores. Findings revealed that health education significantly improves adolescents’ knowledge of reproductive health, contraceptive use, and the consequences of early pregnancy. The study further identified peer influence, inadequate parental communication, and limited access to accurate sexual and reproductive health information as major contributors to teenage pregnancy. The study concluded that comprehensive, school- and community-based health education interventions are effective in reducing the incidence of teenage pregnancy. It was recommended that stakeholders strengthen adolescent-friendly health education programmes and integrate comprehensive sexuality education into school curricula to promote responsible sexual behaviour.

This study examined how cultural factors influence the reporting of sexual abuse among teenagers in Ekosodin Community. The research focused on the ways cultural beliefs, family stigma, gender expectations, and institutional barriers shape whether young people disclose abuse. A total of 384 respondents aged 13 to 17 participated, with data collected through a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings show that cultural silence, taboo attitudes toward sexual matters, and honour-based thinking strongly affect how teenagers interpret abuse. Many respondents indicated that victims are seen as bringing shame to their families, which discourages disclosure. Family stigma emerged as a major barrier, with most teenagers reporting that families fear reputational damage and often suppress discussion of abuse. Gender also played a notable role in the reporting of abuse. Girls were viewed as more believable when reporting abuse, while boys faced doubt tied to expectations of strength and emotional toughness. The study further revealed widespread distrust of authorities, long delays in case handling, and perceptions of bias or corruption in formal reporting channels. Respondents identified the involvement of trusted community leaders, confidential reporting structures, and school-based awareness programmes as strategies that could encourage disclosure. The study concludes that under-reporting in Ekosodin is sustained by an interplay of cultural norms, family pressures, gendered beliefs, and institutional weaknesses. It recommends community-driven education, strengthened family support, gender-sensitive interventions, and improved institutional responsiveness as essential steps toward creating an environment where teenagers can report sexual abuse safely and without fear.