Unintended Pregnancy and Childbearing among out-of-school Unmarried Young Women Living in Metropolitan City Slums, South-West Nigeria

Background: High rate of unintended pregnancy (UPr) and childbearing among young women have always been reported in Nigeria. This study assessed the level of UPr and childbearing among unmarried out-of-school young women living in urban slums in Kosofe Local Government Area, Lagos metropolis, South-West, Nigeria. Method: A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted using a multi-stage sampling technique to select 372 unmarried out-of-school young women (10-24 years). Qualitative and quantitative methods were used for data collection. Data were analyzed using Atlas Ti and logistic regression model (α=0.05). Results: Mean age and mean age at first sexual intercourse of the women was 18.9±2.8 years, and 16.9±2.1 years respectively. About 32.1% have had at least a child, 29% reported ever had an UPr, 13.3% had induced abortion, 2.9% had ever had miscarriage, and 13% are currently pregnant. Visit to health facility, age, knowledge of ovulation, and who the respondent lives with were significantly associated with UPr and childbearing. Age and visit to health facility were the identified predictors of UPr and childbearing. Non-use of contraceptives, lack of parental care, pre-marital sex, covetousness, and peer pressure were mentioned as the common reasons for unintended pregnancy. Participants expressed their interest to delay childbearing. Conclusion: High incidence of unintended pregnancy and childbearing was reported in this study. Framework on female education and youth friendly fertility control services should be strengthened in the study area.