Project – Factors influencing and control of threatened abortion among young girls age 14 to 24 years

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

Threatened abortion, defined as vaginal bleeding within the first 20 weeks of pregnancy without cervical dilation, is a common complication affecting approximately 20% of early pregnancies (Hasan et al., 2009). Among adolescent girls and young women aged 14 to 24, the risks are even more pronounced due to biological, social, and behavioral vulnerabilities. This age group faces unique challenges, including limited knowledge of reproductive health, lower access to prenatal care, and higher rates of unintended pregnancies—all of which contribute to the incidence of threatened abortion (Omo-Aghoja, 2014).

Young age, particularly below 18 years, has been identified as a risk factor for pregnancy complications including threatened abortion. Lack of education is strongly associated with poor maternal outcomes, as it limits understanding of pregnancy warning signs and access to preventive health services (WHO, 2012). Girls with lower levels of education are also less likely to use contraceptives, increasing their chances of early and unintended pregnancies that may end in complications like threatened abortion (Ganchimeg et al., 2014). Socioeconomic status also plays a role; adolescents from low-income backgrounds often delay or avoid seeking antenatal care.

Cultural norms and religious beliefs heavily shape adolescents’ reproductive behavior in many developing countries. In settings where early marriage is common and contraception is stigmatized, adolescent girls are at a higher risk of experiencing complications in pregnancy, including threatened abortion (OlaOlorun & Hindin, 2014). Cultural silence around sexual health often prevents young girls from seeking medical advice in time. Religious opposition to abortion and contraception can result in girls resorting to unsafe practices when faced with unwanted pregnancies (Sedgh et al., 2016).

Inadequate access to youth-friendly healthcare services is a major contributor to the incidence of threatened abortion among young girls. Many health systems are not designed to accommodate the specific needs of adolescents, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment of pregnancy complications (Chandra-Mouli et al., 2015). Barriers such as cost, lack of confidentiality, and judgmental attitudes of healthcare providers deter adolescents from seeking timely care. Strengthening adolescent reproductive health services, especially in rural areas, has been shown to significantly reduce pregnancy-related complications (Neal et al., 2012).

Preventive measures to reduce the incidence of threatened abortion in young girls include improving access to sexual and reproductive health education, ensuring availability of youth-friendly contraceptive services, and enhancing prenatal care accessibility. Health education programs have been effective in empowering adolescents with the knowledge needed to make informed reproductive choices (UNFPA, 2013). Policy interventions targeting early marriage, gender inequality, and school retention also indirectly reduce early and high-risk pregnancies.

Threatened abortion among adolescents and young women is influenced by a combination of socio-demographic, cultural, economic, and healthcare-related factors. To control and prevent this complication, a multifaceted approach is necessary—one that incorporates education, healthcare reform, community engagement, and policy support. Addressing the root causes and enhancing the capacity of health systems to support adolescents will play a critical role in reducing maternal morbidity and mortality in this vulnerable population.

1.2. Statement of the Problem

Several biological and medical factors influence the occurrence of threatened abortion. Young girls may face complications due to underdeveloped reproductive systems, hormonal imbalances, and untreated infections. Nutritional deficiencies, such as anemia or lack of folic acid, and chronic medical conditions like diabetes and hypertension, also contribute to pregnancy complications. However, these risk factors are often undiagnosed or poorly managed due to limited healthcare access or financial constraints faced by young mothers.

Psychosocial and behavioral factors also play a major role in the incidence of threatened abortion among this demographic. Unplanned or unwanted pregnancies, substance abuse (such as alcohol or drug use), and high levels of stress due to familial or societal pressures can contribute to complications. In many settings, adolescent girls lack proper sexual education, leading to risky behaviors and late detection of pregnancy, which in turn affects the timely seeking of prenatal care and interventions that could prevent complications.

Environmental and socioeconomic conditions are equally important. Poor living conditions, exposure to physical abuse or intimate partner violence, and lack of social support systems significantly increase the risk of poor pregnancy outcomes. Many young girls live in communities with limited maternal health infrastructure, reducing their ability to receive timely and appropriate medical attention. Additionally, stigma surrounding adolescent pregnancy can deter them from seeking help until complications become severe.

Despite various preventive strategies and awareness campaigns, the rate of threatened abortion among young girls remains high in many regions. This highlights a gap in current interventions, which often fail to address the unique challenges faced by adolescents and young women. Many of these initiatives do not consider the need for confidentiality, emotional support, and age-appropriate counseling, which are crucial in effectively reaching and supporting this vulnerable group.

Therefore, it is essential to explore the multifactorial causes of threatened abortion among young girls aged 14 to 24 years and assess the effectiveness of current control measures. Identifying and addressing medical, psychological, and social determinants can guide the development of targeted interventions. A better understanding of these influencing factors will help in designing comprehensive strategies that not only prevent threatened abortion but also promote safer pregnancy experiences for young women.

1.3. Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine factors influencing and control of threatened abortion among young girls age 14 to 24 years. The specific objectives of the study are:

1. To identify the common factors contributing to threatened abortion in young girls aged 14 to 24 years.
2. To examine the impact of socio-economic factors on the occurrence of threatened abortion in this age group.
3. To explore the role of access to reproductive health services in preventing threatened abortion among young girls.
4. To assess the knowledge and awareness of contraceptive methods among young girls to prevent threatened abortion.

1.4. Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. What are the common factors contributing to threatened abortion in young girls aged 14 to 24 years?
2. How do socio-economic factors impact the occurrence of threatened abortion in this age group?
3. What is the role of access to reproductive health services in preventing threatened abortion among young girls?
4. How knowledgeable and aware are young girls of contraceptive methods to prevent threatened abortion?

1.5. Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:

Ho: Reproductive health services has no effect in preventing threatened abortion among young girl

H1: Reproductive health services has effect in preventing threatened abortion among young girl

1.6.  Significance of the Study

This study is significant because it addresses a sensitive yet critical issue affecting a vulnerable segment of the population—young girls aged 14 to 24 years. Understanding the factors that influence threatened abortion in this age group is essential to safeguarding maternal and fetal health, especially as early pregnancies are increasingly reported across different parts of the world. By identifying the underlying causes, the study contributes to better health outcomes and helps reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.

For healthcare providers and public health practitioners, this research offers valuable insights into the unique medical, psychological, and social needs of young pregnant girls. It can guide the development of evidence-based clinical practices, screening tools, and intervention strategies specifically tailored to adolescents and young adults. Furthermore, it may improve early identification of high-risk pregnancies and promote more responsive care systems, which are crucial in preventing pregnancy complications such as threatened abortion.

Policy makers and health program managers will also benefit from this study. The findings can inform policies and maternal health programs that are youth-centered, inclusive, and focused on prevention and support. It can also highlight gaps in current maternal health services for adolescents and encourage the allocation of resources towards age-appropriate reproductive health education, counseling, and prenatal care access.

In the academic field, this study contributes to the growing body of research on adolescent reproductive health. It opens up avenues for further research into the interplay between socioeconomic, psychological, and biological factors in early pregnancy complications. Moreover, it can serve as a reference for future comparative studies or intervention trials aimed at improving adolescent maternal outcomes.

On a community level, this study can empower parents, educators, and community leaders with knowledge to better support young girls in their reproductive journey. Awareness of the risk factors and early signs of threatened abortion can lead to community-based initiatives that promote timely health-seeking behaviors, reduce stigma, and encourage young girls to access the care they need without fear or shame.

Ultimately, the significance of this study lies in its potential to protect the health and well-being of young girls at a crucial stage of life. By understanding and addressing the factors influencing threatened abortion, we can contribute to building a healthier future generation, where young women are informed, supported, and able to experience safe and successful pregnancies.

1.7. Scope of the Study

The study examines factors influencing and control of threatened abortion among young girls age 14 to 24 years. The study is limited to young girls age 14 to 24 years in Ikorodu LGA, Lagos.

1.8.  Operational Definition of Terms

1. Factors: Factorsrefer to the various conditions, circumstances, or elements that contribute to or influence a particular outcome or situation. In this study, they are the biological, psychological, social, and environmental variables that may affect the occurrence of threatened abortion in young girls.
2. Influencing: Influencingrefers to the act or process by which something affects or changes another thing. In the context of this study, it describes how certain factors—such as poor nutrition, stress, or lack of healthcare—can increase the likelihood of threatened abortion among young girls.
3. Control: Controlrefers to the measures, strategies, or interventions used to prevent, manage, or reduce the risk of a particular condition or outcome. Here, it means the actions taken by individuals, healthcare providers, or institutions to prevent or manage threatened abortion among young girls, ensuring better pregnancy outcomes.
4. Threatened Abortion: Threatened abortionis a medical term that describes vaginal bleeding during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, with a closed cervix and no expulsion of fetal tissue. It indicates a potential risk of miscarriage but does not guarantee that pregnancy loss will occur. Prompt medical evaluation and care can help stabilize the pregnancy.
5. Young Girls: Young girls, in the context of this study, refers to female adolescents and young women aged between 14 and 24 years. This group is considered vulnerable due to factors such as biological immaturity, limited access to reproductive health services, and increased risk of complications during pregnancy.

Project – Factors influencing and control of threatened abortion among young girls age 14 to 24 years