| dc.description |
Introduction: a significant number of girls start child bearing at early age in Ethiopia that contributes to high infant and maternal morbidity and mortality. However, the information on teenage pregnancy and related variables is limited in the study area.
Objectives: to assess the prevalence of teenage pregnancy and associated factors among teenage female in the selected kebeles of Hula district, Sidama Region.
Method and materials: community based cross-sectional study design was employed on 518 teenage females during February, 2023 to collect data on prevalence of teenage pregnancy and associated factors. Multistage sampling technique was used to select study participants. EpiData V4.4.1 was used to store the data, and SPSS Version 25 was used for analysis. To determine the relationship between the variables, bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used. The association was reported using the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI), and the significance level was set at a p-value of 0.05.
Results: The finding of the study indicated that prevalence of teenage pregnancy in Hula district was 17.6% (95% CI: 14.0, 21).The factors such as age 16-17 years [AOR = 4.15, 95% CI (1.37, 12.5)], not know the place where family planning methods provided [AOR=3.46 95% CI (1.23, 9.7)], did not use family planning methods [AOR=4.4, 95% CI (1.61, 11.98)] and did not communicate about sexual issues with their parents [AOR=3.35, 95% CI (1.23, 9.15)] were significantly associated with teenage pregnancy at p<0.05.
Conclusion and recommendation: The prevalence of teenage pregnancy in this study was high. The age of the participants, lack of information, discussion on sexual issues and access on family planning methods were associated factors with teenage pregnancy. Thus, strengthening the contraceptive service promotion, acknowledging teenagers-parent communication on sexual issues and creating awareness of the, places where family planning methods are provided should be encouraged. |
|