Understanding the decision making process and the consequences of pregnancy among selected urban adolescents

This study seeks to describe the decision making process regarding adolescent pregnancy and identifies the consequences of such decision on their physical health and socio-psychological well-being.In-depth interviews were conducted among 19 purposively selected adolescents, 14 of whom carried pregnancy to term and 5 who terminated pregnancy prior to term.Findings showed that the decision to carry pregnancy to term is influenced by the personal views as well as the level of social acceptance and support of the boyfriend, peers, and family members. The data revealed that the decision to carry pregnancy to term is determined by the adolescent\u27s love for the baby, perceived ill effects of abortion, the parents\u27 acceptance and financial support and the boyfriend\u27s pananagutan or acceptance of responsibility.On the other hand, the decision to terminate pregnancy prior to term is associated with guilt, fears of parents and of being abandoned by boyfriend, and the need to work.The consequences of the decision to continue pregnancy include difficult labor and physical injury such as perineal and vaginal tearing. Social consequences included the girl and or her boyfriend stopping from school to find a job, living together or getting married.Those who aborted their baby experienced pain and heavy bleeding, and were hospitalized. However, they were able to continue their studies, and were able to work.Whether or not pregnancy was carried to term, a common result is the separation of the girl and her boyfriend. The findings imply that the decision to continue or terminate pregnancy entails untoward physical and social consequences for the mother, her baby and her boyfriend