https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7904-9955
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ABSTRACT
This study examines the determinants of school re-entry among teenage mothers in the Ho and Hohoe Municipalities of the Volta Region, Ghana. These districts were selected based on their high prevalence of teenage pregnancy, their representation of urban and semi-urban areas, and the lack of existing research on the topic. Data were collected from 220 teenage mothers through a cross-sectional survey. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to estimate the factors associated with school re-engagement. Results show that 31.8% of the respondents had re-engaged in school, while 70% expressed a willingness to do so. Socioeconomic status, academic performance before pregnancy, parental support, external support, and family history of teenage pregnancy were identified as significant factors influencing school re-engagement. These findings highlight the importance of addressing socioeconomic barriers, strengthening parental and external support systems, and providing the necessary resources to facilitate the re-entry of teenage mothers into the education system.
Acknowledgments
We acknowledge the respondents for providing the survey data and the authors and publishers whose works were consulted.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Authors’ contributions
AKM conceptualized the idea. AKM, MAA, AFOS, BAA and TQ: Writing – Original draft preparation. Writing- Original draft preparation. JTK, ASO, RA and DK: Writing – Reviewing and Editing. All authors critically reviewed the manuscript before submission. All authors accept final responsibility for the paper.
Abbreviations
| GES | = | Ghana Education Service |
| GHS | = | Ghana Health Service |
| GSS | = | Ghana Statistical Service |
| JHS | = | Junior High School |
| LMICs | = | Low- and Middle-Income Countries |
| NGOs | = | Non-Governmental Organisations |
| PHC | = | Population and Housing Census |
| SDG | = | Sustainable Development Goal |
| SHS | = | Senior High School |
| SPSS | = | Statistical Package for the Social Sciences |
| SSA | = | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| STDs | = | Sexually Transmitted Diseases |
| UNESCO | = | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization |
| WHO | = | World Health Organisation |
Ethics approval and consent to participate
Informed consent was obtained from the participants by agreeing orally to participate in the study.
Availability of data and material
The datasets used and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Additional information
Funding
Notes on contributors
Anthony Kwame Morgan
Anthony Kwame Morgan is a highly educated professional with a strong research background and diverse knowledge in various areas, including public health, health services research, ageing, rural development, and poverty and livelihood studies. His academic achievements demonstrate his commitment to understanding and addressing complex social and developmental issues, aiming to make valuable contributions toward improving public health, advancing rural development, and tackling poverty. With a passion for creating positive social impact, Anthony is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of individuals and communities through his work in academia and research.
Rahinatu Ibrahim
Rahinatu Ibrahim’s research interests were on reproductive health services for adolescents and adolescent education.
Alfred Foster Senior Owusu
Alfred Foster Senior Owusu’s research interests focus on health services, education, and resource management.
Beatrice Aberinpoka Awafo
Beatrice Aberinpoka Awafo’s research interests are in health services, education, ageing, and sanitation.
Theophilus Quartey
Theophilus Quartey’s research interests are in health service research, climate change & environmental studies, and statelessness and vulnerable populations.
Modesta Akipase Aziire
Modesta Akipase Aziire’s research interests are rural development and poverty and livelihood studies.
Josephine Thywill Katsekpor
Josephine Thywill Katsekpor’s research interests are in women empowerment and spatial analysis for flood management and rural development.
Abigail Serwaa Owusu
Abigail Serwaa Owusu’s research interests are education and sustainable development, rural development, and poverty and livelihood studies.
Daniel Katey
Daniel Katey prioritises exploring ageing's impact on the health, well-being, psychological distress, and psychosocial aspects of older adults. Additionally, he investigates adolescent lifestyles, social relationships, and psychological and mental well-being, utilizing diverse methodologies to inform evidence-based policies and promote healthy development and inclusive society.