PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF PREGNANCY ON HEALTH STATUS OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS FEMALE TEENAGERS IN CALABAR, CALABAR, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate psychological impact of pregnancy on health status of secondary school female teenagers in Calabar South Local Government Area, Cross River. Two hypotheses were formulate to guide the study, while the survey research design was utilized. The population of the study comprised of eighty-eight (88) pregnant teenagers who visits the health facilities regularly with their various records and files in their health centers. Instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire title “Psychological Impact of Pregnancy on Health Status Questionnaire (PIPHSQ). The instrument was face validated by three experts, two from Department of Human Kinetics and Sports Science and the other one from measurement and evaluation unit all in University of Calabar. The reliability of instrument was established using split-half method and Pr which yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.82. Data collected were analysed using Pearson Products Moment Correlation Analysis at .05 level of significance. Findings revealed that self- esteem and mental health have significant impact on health status of pregnant secondary school females in Calabar South Local Government Area. Based on the findings, it was recommended amongst others that, female teenagers in secondary school should be properly educated after the effects of early pregnancy, that it does lead to low self esteem and that unprotected sexual – indulgement should be completely avoided.