PSYCHOSOCIAL EFFECTS OF TEENAGE PREGNANCY AMONG ADOLESCENT ATTENDING ANTTENATAL CARE CLINIC AT DAMBATTA GENERAL HOSPITAL, KANO STATE

Teenage pregnancy remains a significant public health and social problem in Nigeria, with serious psychological and social consequences for adolescent girls. In Kano State, factors such as early marriage and limited educational opportunities increase the risk of teenage pregnancy; however, the psychosocial effects in specific communities like Dambatta are not well documented. This study assessed the psychosocial effects of teenage pregnancy among adolescents attending the antenatal care clinic at Dambatta General Hospital, Kano State. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used, involving 100 pregnant adolescents aged 14–20 years selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings showed substantial psychosocial distress among respondents. Psychologically, many adolescents reported fear about their future (50%), anxiety (45%), and feelings of sadness or depression (40%). Socially, teenage pregnancy negatively affected relationships with schoolmates and teachers (50%) and community interactions (45%), with stigmatization reported by 35% of participants. In addition, 20% of the respondents had dropped out of school due to pregnancy. Initial reactions to pregnancy were largely negative, including shock (40%), sadness (25%), and fear (20%). Coping strategies mainly involved family support (35%) and religious activities (25%), although some adolescents adopted avoidance behaviors (15%). The study concludes that teenage pregnancy in Dambatta is associated with considerable psychological distress and social exclusion, highlighting the need for mental health support, educational reintegration policies, stigma reduction, and comprehensive sexuality education.