Abstract
ABSTRACT Teenage pregnancy is a social menace and common public health problem. It is detrimental to both mother and child. Teenage mother is not physically, psychologically and economically ready to bear a child. This phenomenon has multiple adverse consequences on maternal health, child health and overall well-being of the society. This study investigated the public perception and parents attitudes towards teenage pregnancy in Itigidi Community, Abi Local Government Area (LGA), Cross River State. Descriptive Survey was used and data was collected through self administered questionnaire to a sample size of 120 respondents selected through purposive sampling technique. Tables and simple percentages were used for data analysis. The findings showed that 73% of the respondents portrayed negative attitudes and claimed that teenage pregnancy is social deviant. 27% of the respondents showed positive attitudes and characterized the incidence of teenage pregnancy as a mistake, and still offer full support to their teenage pregnant girls. 68% of parents (respondents) also considered teenage pregnancy as an embarrassment to the family, their responses showed that teenage pregnant girl has already destroyed her future, while 32% of the respondents indicated a positive attitudes. Their responses showed love and support for their teenage pregnant girls and that, they can still send their pregnant daughter back to school and provide adequate assistance after giving birth. Conclusion was made that gaps exist in public perception and parents attitudes towards teenage pregnancy. Therefore, It is recommended that parents should reappraise and strengthen their obligation towards their adolescent/teenage daughters to enable them achieve their full potentials through prevention of teenage pregnancies.