Determinants of pregnancy in adolescents in Nepal.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Social factors and prevalent norms in the community determine the proportion of teenage pregnancy in the community. In the light of high risk associated with teenage pregnancy, the socio-cultural determinants, which influence the conception among teenagers in Nepal, need to be understood. These determinants may be modified by suitable interventions to reduce teenage pregnancy. Aim of this study was to examine the socio-cultural determinants of teenage pregnancy in eastern Nepal. METHODS: A case-control study design was selected for comparing the education, economic status, family support and freedom towards conception among teenagers as compared to higher age group women. RESULT: Seventy adolescent pregnant women were compared with seventy primigravida women in the 20 to 29 years age group. The teenage pregnant women were less educated, had poor economic background, more likely to have accidental pregnancies as compared to the other group and more likely to have love marriages. Husbands were more likely to decide about continuation of pregnancy. They had less psychological and social support from the family. CONCLUSION: Marriage at young age and pregnancy during teens are associated with less social acceptance and poor support in the family.