References
Why are girls becoming mothers? Exploring pregnancy determinants among high-risk women in Peru
Abstract
Background/Aims
Adolescent pregnancy is a significant public health challenge that has biological, psychological and social implications. This study aimed to identify associations between adolescent pregnancy and socioeconomic, gender inequality and reproductive health indicators in Peru.
Methods
This retrospective ecological study explored the pregnancy rate among adolescents aged 10–14 years using data from the Peruvian online registry system of birth certificates (2017–2021). Indicator data were taken from various sources. Maps and simple linear regression models were used to analyse the association between indicators and the adolescent pregnancy rate.
Results
From 2017 to 2021, the pregnancy rate among adolescents was 0.28 per 100 live births, with jungle regions showing the highest rates. Completing secondary education (P<0.001) and contraceptive use (P=0.011) were associated with a decrease in pregnancy rate.
Conclusions
There was a significant association between early adolescent pregnancy and socioeconomic and reproductive health indicators.
Implications for practice
It is essential to improve access to secondary education and encourage contraceptive use in Peru, as both are linked to early adolescent pregnancy. Public health efforts should prioritise improving socioeconomic conditions and ensuring fair access to reproductive health services, especially in the most vulnerable areas.
Adolescent pregnancy (at 10–19 years old) is a major health concern that leads to significant biological, psychological and social impacts, as well as contributing to the cycle of poverty (Rosales-Silva and Irigoyen-Coria, 2013; Baba et al, 2014). Early adolescents (defined as those aged 10–14 years) are considered particularly vulnerable compared to their older counterparts (Latin American Consortium Against Unsafe Abortion, 2019). Each year, approximately one million girls under 15 years old give birth, most in low- and middle-income countries (World Health Organization, 2020).
The pregnancy rate for early adolescents in Latin America and the Caribbean is the second highest worldwide (2% of all women), only surpassed by sub-Saharan Africa, and is the only region with an upward trend (Pan American Health Organization, 2018). According to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (2017), adolescent pregnancy is predominant in socioeconomically disadvantaged sectors, where the pregnancy rate in the poorest quintile is four times higher than in the wealthiest quintile. Adolescent pregnancy is more prevalent among women with low educational levels in low- and middle-income countries, where approximately 14% of adolescents marry before they are 15 years old (Latin American Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology Societies, 2011; World Health Organization, 2020).
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