Factors associated with teenage pregnancy in eastern province. analysis of RDHS 2014-2015

Abstract

Background This study aimed to determine factors associated with teenage pregnancy in Eastern province of Rwanda between 2010 and 2015. By the teenage pregnancy the research considers the women aged 15-19 years and they were pregnant or had given birth during the teenage, as per Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS) 2015.

Methodology This is secondary analysis of data collected from a cross-sectional study. Univariate analysis was used to compute and describe teenage group in eastern province. Bivariate analysis and logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with teenage pregnancy in eastern province of Rwanda.

Results There is a marked economic and educational gradient for women who have a first birth in adolescence in eastern province. Teenage pregnancy was highly in girls or women in poor category and in primary schools. If in poor category the young girls (15-19years) are 83% at 95% CI(1.086-3.074) more likely to be pregnant compared to rich ones. While respondents with no education and in primary school level are at around 3 times at risk compared to the ones in secondary and high level of education. The final modal is significant with pvalue=0.0001 and the following variables remained significant: age of the respondent, wealth index, education, have radio and television, the frequency to read news paper or magazine and if the young girls can get condoms.

Conclusion A special focus should be given to eastern province during the implementation of the intervention to tackle the increase in teenage pregnancy prevalence. A close follow up is needed in primary school and on community level (families). This will at the same time reduce teenage pregnancies but also reduce possibility of school drop-outs, teenage deaths, HIV Aids and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), long-lasting poor situation, etc. As per the predicted limitation, additional researches especially the qualitative ones are recommended to be able to assess additional factors that may lead to have such increase in country and eastern province in particular.