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 also assessing the underlying attitudes of young people toward future marriage and
pregnancy. The study was conducted from November 2022 to May 2023, using a primary survey of 600 students selected through
cluster sampling, along with focus group discussions. Findings suggest that peer pressure and adolescents' aspirations and atti-
tudes based on gender can be important factors influencing students' family planning. We discuss diverse ways that social actors,
such as NGOs, can play a positive role in delivering accurate sexual and reproductive health knowledge, encouraging positive
and moral peer pressure and supporting the aspirations of girls and boys for future education and work.
pregnancy in Akatsi North, Ghana, while also assessing the underlying attitudes of young people toward future marriage and
pregnancy. The study was conducted from November 2022 to May 2023, using a primary survey of 600 students selected through
cluster sampling, along with focus group discussions. Findings suggest that peer pressure and adolescents' aspirations and atti-
tudes based on gender can be important factors influencing students' family planning. We discuss diverse ways that social actors,
such as NGOs, can play a positive role in delivering accurate sexual and reproductive health knowledge, encouraging positive
and moral peer pressure and supporting the aspirations of girls and boys for future education and work.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Children & Society |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 11 Sept 2025 |
Keywords
- early pregnancy
- ender norms
- peer pressure
- exual and reproductive health and rights
- Social engagement
