Paper short abstract:

This study aims to provide insight into the relationship between early pregnancy, vulnerability, and the reproductive health education environment in Ghana. Findings suggest that peer pressure, adolescents’ aspirations, and gender attitudes can play a role in influencing sexual behaviours.

Paper long abstract:

A high prevalence of teenage pregnancy in Ghana has raised critical concerns. This study aims to understand the causes of early pregnancy in Akatsi North, Ghana while assessing the underlying attitudes of young people towards future marriage and pregnancy. It seeks alternative measures that do not involve direct inquiries about sexual experiences when engaging with young teenagers. Causal factors of teenage pregnancy from the socio-economic and cultural context are under investigation. By collecting primary data from junior high and senior high school students (n=655) based on cluster sampling, we regressed several models, mainly focusing on the timing and attitudes toward the age of pregnancy and marriage. We conducted focus group discussions at three levels, providing diverse opinions regarding teenage pregnancy causes. In our models, peer pressure and pro-equality gender norms are indicated as key drivers of attitudes towards marriage and pregnancy. Ethnicity and religion are not the key matters here. Focus group discussions confirmed that parents’ neglect, particularly in low-income families, can be a risk factor. Norms around marriage included the expectation that both young women and young men should be able to earn before marrying. The findings suggest that there should be more positive and moral peer pressure to socialise with young people. Also, girls’ and boys’ aspirations for future education and work can play a positive role. Sexual and reproductive health and family planning education must cover both factors and counter disinformation/misinformation.