Peer-reviewed article
Perceived factors contributing to teenage pregnancy and their perceived effects on teenage females health in eastern province of Rwanda.
Nshutiyukuri C, Uwingabire F, Musabwasoni MGS, Rutayisire JB, Rutayisire R et al. ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study explored the causes of teenage pregnancy and its health effects among girls aged 13-25 in Rwanda's Eastern Province who became pregnant as teenagers. Participants identified poverty, lack of knowledge about sexual and reproductive health, and sexual violence as the main causes. Teenage pregnancy was associated with serious mental health consequences, including depression and suicidal thoughts, as well as family rejection and school dropout. The research highlights gaps in sexual health education and the need for prevention strategies that engage men and address poverty.
Key points
- Poverty and lack of knowledge about sexual and reproductive health were the leading perceived causes of teenage pregnancy
- A high percentage of teenage girls reported their pregnancies resulted from rape
- Depression, suicidal thoughts, and family rejection were common mental health and social consequences
- School dropout was a significant outcome following teenage pregnancy
- Comprehensive prevention interventions involving men and improved health literacy are needed
Limitations
The study relied entirely on self-reported data from teenage mothers in one province, which may not represent experiences across Rwanda. The cross-sectional design cannot establish causation or track outcomes over time.
Abstract
Background Teenage girls in Rwanda, like in many other countries, continue to experience unintended pregnancies. Many adolescents exhibit inadequate knowledge regarding sexual and reproductive health, highlighting significant gaps in its use specifically in developing regions including Rwanda. Despite the implementation of numerous prevention strategies in Rwanda, the prevalence of teenage pregnancy remains alarmingly high. The factors contributing to teenage pregnancy are diverse, and its consequences are far-reaching. Objective This study's primary objective is to examine participants' personal experiences with their own pregnancies, including the factors they perceive to have contributed to their pregnancies. Additionally, the study aims to investigate participants' views on the broader societal factors that they believe contribute to teenage pregnancy within their community or province. Design A cross-sectional study design was used. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Eastern Province of Rwanda, between January and December 2023. The sample included females aged 13-25 years who described their own pregnancies when they were between 13 and 19 years, as well as their perceptions about other pregnancies in their community. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed through descriptive statistical methods. Results Teenage girls reported poverty and lack of knowledge as the leading causes of adolescent pregnancy, with a high percentage of them reporting that their pregnancies resulted from rape. The effects of teenage pregnancy on teenage female health include emotional and societal repercussions with a high prevalence of depression, suicidal thoughts, family rejection, and school dropouts. The scope of this study was limited to teenage mothers in Eastern province and all data came from their self-reporting. Conclusion Poverty, lack of knowledge, and sexual violence/rape were the most frequently perceived causes of adolescent pregnancy reported by participants, with important consequences for the health and well-being of teenage girls and their children. Comprehensive teenage pregnancy preventive interventions involving men would address the root causes of teenage pregnancy and improve health literacy as regard to sexual and reproductive health. There is a need for an urgent governmental and private joint plan to reduce the burden of teenage pregnancy in Rwanda.