Don identifies teenage pregnancy as leading cause of maternal, child mortality

A Professor of Statistics at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, Chinelo Igwenagu, has identified teenage pregnancy as one of the leading causes of maternal and child mortality.

Professor Igwenagu explained that as a result of physiological and social immaturity as well as lack of adequate prenatal care, health risks associated with pregnancies and childbearing are more pronounced in teenagers than those of older women.

She made the disclosure while delivering the 36th inaugural lecture of ESUT titled ‘Statistics: A Giant That is Everywhere Dense,’ at the capacity filled Julius Onah Auditorium, Agbani, Enugu State on Thursday.

She further identified other health risks associated with teenage pregnancies to include delivery complications, low-birth weight, still birth among others.

She classified teenagers as those between the ages of 13 and 19 years, adding that still birth was the highest negative outcome with a percentage value of 53 for those at the age of 13.

Although, she admitted that both teenagers and older women suffer similar challenges during pregnancy, she said that proper attention should be given to adequate medical attention during pregnancy and after child birth.

The lecture equally covered Social, Environmental Statistics, and Confirmatory data analysis using Multivariate strategies.

In his opening remarks, the Vice Chancellor of ESUT, Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, stated that the bane of Nigeria’s problem is none application of statistical data in solving her problems.

He explained that the University Management inaugurated a committee to take inventory of the University Assets in order to improve its statistical data base.

While lauding the quality representation of the Senator Osita Ngwu, representing Enugu West Senatorial District in the National Assembly, he stated that the University is open for more collaborations with critical stakeholders in the society.

The Vice Chancellor equally appreciated the inaugural lecturer, Professor Igwenagu, adding that her deep insight into statistical analysis has benefited the University community and the society at large.

While giving the vote of thanks, the Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, ESUT, Professor Chioma Oleka, lauded the University administration for provoking the culture of research and innovation in the University.