Factors Contributing to the Knowledge of Abortion among Female Adolescents in a Government Secondary School Kabong, Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescent abortion remains a significant public health and social concern worldwide. Abortion is the termination of a pregnancy through the removal or expulsion of an embryo or foetus from the uterus, resulting in its death. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the factors contributing to knowledge of abortion among female adolescents at Government Secondary School, Kabong, Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional design was utilised, and a sample of 120 respondents was recruited using stratified and simple random sampling techniques. A questionnaire was used to collect data, which were analysed using SPSS version 25 and descriptive statistics. Knowledge was measured using a scoring system, while the factors were assessed descriptively using mean scores. Results: The findings showed that the largest proportion of respondents were aged 17–18 years (42.5%) and were in SS3 (41.7%). Most respondents lived with both parents (51.7%), and Christianity was the dominant religion (65%). Most respondents (65.8%) had good knowledge of abortion. Peer pressure, fear of parental reaction, lack of proper sex education, financial constraints, desire to continue schooling, religious and cultural stigma, influence from boyfriends or partners, lack of contraceptive use, fear of childbirth, easy access to abortion services, and fear of parents were identified as factors contributing to abortion. Conclusion: The study concluded that many female adolescents at Government Secondary School, Kabong, had good knowledge of abortion based on the responses obtained from the questionnaire; however, adolescent reproductive health decisions were influenced by multiple interacting factors rather than a single cause. Therefore, school management should introduce comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) across SS1–SS3, including topics on contraception, refusal skills, understanding of the menstrual cycle, and the consequences of unsafe abortion. Parents should adopt open, non-judgemental communication with adolescents regarding sexuality, relationships, and reproductive health.