Factors associated with adolescent  pregnancy and public health interventions  to address in Nigeria: a scoping review

Background Adolescent pregnancy is a global public health and social problem that afects both developed and  developing countries. Reducing adolescent pregnancy is central to achieving sustainable development goals. In  2021 Nigeria’s Adolescent pregnancy was 106 per 1000 and showed an increasing rate. This study, therefore, aims to  explore the literature to map the risk factors and interventions against adolescent pregnancy in Nigeria. Method A scoping review of studies published between January 2007 and December 2022 using PubMed, Web of  Science and Africa Journals Online were searched using the keywords’ adolescent pregnancy’ AND ’Nigeria’. Studies  were screened using the eligibility criteria. Results A total of 241 articles, of which 229 were identifed through the databases and 12 were identifed through  hand search. After the full-text review, 28 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the fnal review. In  Nigeria, the prevalence of adolescent pregnancy is between 7.5 and 49.5%. Associated factors for adolescent pregnancy in Nigeria are multifactorial, including individual, community, societal, school, family, and peer factors. Policies  on adolescent sexual and reproductive health exist in Nigeria. Still, the policies need more sponsorship, implementation, and monitoring, while only some interventions on adolescent pregnancy majorly based on contraceptives and  education of health providers are available in Nigeria. Conclusion Associated factors for adolescent Pregnancy in Nigeria are multidimensional, with educational attainment and wealth index being the highest associated factor. Intervention strategies aimed at the educational level  have been identifed as a critical factor in curbing adolescent pregnancy. Thus, policies on sexual, reproductive, and  mental health development specifcally targeting adolescents to reduce the cycle of societal dependence by empowering this group economically and educationally are justifably warranted