ECONOMIC BURDEN OF TEENAGE PREGNANCY ON HOUSEHOLDS IN ELMINA COMMUNITY

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Teenage pregnancy is the situation in which a teenage girl, usually between the ages of 10 and 19 years, becomes pregnant Most teenagers do not plan becoming pregnant but they may do. These girls who have become pregnant are faced with the numerous challenges associated with parenthood. The study, however, aimed at estimating the economic burden of teenage pregnancy on households in Elmina community.

Method: The study adopted the cross-sectional survey which makes use of the collection of data to make inferences about a population of interest. Descriptive analysis was used to generalize the research results and conclusions were drawn. Data was gathered by administering questionnaire comprising both open and close-ended questions. A sample of 100 household heads in Elmina was involved in the study. Out of the 100 households, 90 responded to the questionnaires. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).

Results: Direct medical cost that household heads spend when there is teenage pregnancy in the home. The mean direct medical cost was estimated at GHS 1,593.00 (USD 359.62). This meant that the average household in Elmina spent more in terms of the minimum wage. Again, indirect cost (travel costs, absenteeism and hours spent with the child) of teenage pregnancy in a household is very high. The valued waiting lime cost the household heads as much as GHS I, 144.25 (85.3%) a month while the valued travel time cost the household heads GHS197.23 (14.7%) a month.

Conclusion: From the findings, it was realized by the researcher that, indirect cost of teenage pregnancy to the household is very high.