Multifactorial Determinants of Teenage Pregnancy in Rural Bangladesh

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Teenage pregnancy remains a major public health and socio-economic concern in developing countries, particularly in rural Bangladesh, where early marriage, limited education, and inadequate access to reproductive health services persist. It contributes to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes and perpetuates cycles of poverty and gender inequality. Aim of the study: This study aimed to identify the multifactorial determinants of teenage pregnancy among adolescent girls in rural Bangladesh. Methods & Materials: This community-based analytical case-control study was conducted in selected rural areas of [Division name], Bangladesh, between [Month Year] and [Month Year]. A total of 120 adolescent girls aged 13-19 years were included, comprising 40 cases (those who experienced pregnancy before age 20) and 80 controls (those without teenage pregnancy). Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used to assess associations. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate crude and adjusted odds ratios (COR and AOR) with 95% confidence intervals. Result: The study identified several significant determinants of teenage pregnancy. In multivariable analysis, early marriage before 15 years (AOR: 3.02; 95% CI: 1.15-7.92), lack of formal education (AOR: 2.66; 95% CI: 1.01-7.05), poor contraceptive knowledge (AOR: 2.88; 95% CI: 1.15-7.22), and non-use of contraceptives (AOR: 2.71; 95% CI: 1.08-6.78) were independently associated with higher odds of teenage pregnancy. Additional predictors included low decision-making autonomy (AOR: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.02-6.10), distance greater than 5 km from health facilities (AOR: 2.28; 95% CI: 1.00-5.20), acceptance of early marriage (AOR: 2.6; 95% CI: 1.02-6.62), and lack of reproductive health education (AOR: 2.35; 95% CI: 1.01-5.47).Conclusion: Teenage pregnancy in rural Bangladesh is driven by a complex interplay of socio-demographic, behavioral, health system, and socio-cultural factors. Interventions focusing on delaying early marriage, improving female education, enhancing contraceptive awareness and use, strengthening reproductive health education, and improving access to health services are essential to reduce the burden of teenage pregnancy.