KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PERCEPTION OF ABORTION PRACTICES AMONGST FEMALE TEENAGERS (AGED 16-19) IN UGBOR COMMUNITY, BENIN CITY, EDO STATE.

Abstract

This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of abortion among female teenagers aged 16–19 years in Ugbor community, Benin City, Edo State. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used, and data were collected through self-administered questionnaires from 333 respondents selected using a cluster sampling technique across two government and two private secondary schools. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages, and Chi-square was employed to test the hypothesis at a 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed that the majority of respondents (93.1%) had heard of abortion, with many identifying pills (36.6%) and herbal methods (27.1%) as common approaches, while only 22.5% mentioned hospitals as safe places for abortion. Although 64.9% could differentiate between safe and unsafe abortion, only 30% were aware of the legal restrictions in Nigeria. Attitudes were largely negative, with 63% of respondents believing abortion was morally wrong, yet 75% agreed it could be justified in cases of rape or incest. Perceptions showed that 68.4% believed most teenagers abort due to fear of parents, while 75% stated that abortion negatively affects emotional and mental health. Despite these negative perceptions, 47.7% admitted they might consider abortion themselves if unsupported. Hypothesis testing revealed no significant relationship between knowledge and practice of abortion (p > 0.05), indicating that social and cultural factors have stronger influence than knowledge alone. The study concludes that although Ugbor teenagers possess relatively high knowledge of abortion and its risks, unsafe practices persist due to stigma, secrecy, and limited access to youth-friendly services. The study recommends strengthening school-based sexuality education, parental communication, and adolescent-friendly health policies, as well as engaging nurses, teachers, parents, and religious leaders in reducing stigma and promoting safe reproductive health practices. Keywords: Abortion, Teenage, girls, Knowledge, Attitude, Perception.