Examining Pregnancy Related Socio-Cultural Factors Among Adolescent Girls in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem Municipality in the Central Region of Ghana: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Given that Ghana continues to record higher rates of adolescent pregnancy among rural dwellers, notably, those living in the Brong Ahafo, Central and Volta regions, it is surprising that scholarly information related to socio-cultural determinants of this sequel in these mentioned areas of the country is limited. This study sought to examine the socio-cultural factors associated with pregnancy among adolescent girls in Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) Municipality in the Central Region of Ghana. Methods and results: Using a matched case-control design with a 1:1 ratio, a facility-based sampling approach was used to select 400 adolescent females aged between 15 and 19 years. Chi-square analyses on the strictness level of rules and regulations in family [χ 2 (1) = 62.010, p < 0.05], freedom within the family to discuss issues related to sexuality [χ 2 (1) = 9.600, p < 0.05], religious support of sex before marriage [χ 2 (1) = 4.312, p < 0.05], peer influence to engage in sexual intercourse [χ 2 (1) = 7.793, p < 0.05], reaction of parents toward pregnancy [χ 2 (1) = 70.064, p < 0.05], and reaction of siblings toward pregnancy [χ 2 (1) = 66.702, p < 0.05] were significantly related to adolescents' pregnancy status. Additionally, binary logistic regression analysis also showed that non-pregnant adolescents were seven times more likely to belong to families with strict rules and regulations compared to pregnant adolescents [OR = 0.14, 95% CI = (0.07–0.25), p ≤ 0.01]. Non-pregnant adolescents were 3 times more likely to have freedom within the family to discuss issues related to sexuality compared to pregnant adolescents [OR = 0.33, 95% CI = (0.18–0.59), p ≤ 0.01]. However, pregnant adolescents were 3 times more likely to be influenced by their peers to engage in sexual intercourse [OR = 2.63, 95% CI = (1.46–4.74), p ≤ 0.001] and 3 times more likely to have parents with positive reaction toward adolescent pregnancy compared to non-pregnant adolescents [OR = 2.97, 95% CI = (1.15–7.70), p ≤ 0.05]. Additionally, these pregnant adolescents were eight times more likely to have siblings with positive reaction toward adolescent pregnancy [OR = 7.74, 95% CI = (2.59–21.4), p ≤ 0.001] compared to their non-pregnant counterparts. Conclusion: Adolescent pregnancy heightens the risk of negating birth outcomes that is independent of recognized confounding variables. Therefore, adolescent girls in the KEEA Municipality are likely to experience continuous exposure to the risk of pregna...

Exploring the Consequences of Early Marriage among Kurdish Women: A Qualitative Study in Western Iran

“…This may also be due to incomplete pelvic growth and possibly synchronization of pregnancy and puberty development. These consequences have also been shown in previous studies [22,23]. Adhikari et al 2009 also found that women who married under the age of 18 had more unwanted pregnancies than other women [24].…”

Access to Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Information and Services in Ghana: A Community-Based Case-Control Study

“…Therefore, sociocultural norms surrounding sexuality and reproductive health issues (SRH) in typical Ghanaian and other sub-Saharan homes should not be underestimated. The culture of silence or openness (i.e., obtaining information, discussions, and expressions) between parents and their adolescent girls on sexuality issues can inversely be connected to the onset of sexual debut and subsequent negative implications (e.g., pregnancy, abortions) and vice versa (16,43). Within local set-ups, many adolescent girls have few opportunities to express themselves without prejudice, trust people and places to solicit for sexual information and support.…”

“…The study population included female adolescents (15)(16)(17)(18)(19) years in the KEEA Municipality. A sum of 7,667 females (10-19 years), including both pregnant and non-pregnant adolescents represented the study population (50).…”

“…Available statistics for Central Region suggest that the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) Municipality is one of the districts noted for the high prevalence of APs. The total APs in the Municipality is estimated at 17.5% (16,17).…”

“…Despite the importance of teachers, health workers and parents in providing such information and services to adolescent girls, negative socio-cultural norms regarding sexuality education may hinder the role such stakeholders play in the lives of adolescent girls (16,43,44). Parents usually feel uncomfortable discussing sexuality and reproductive health issues with their own children due negative norms in society (43,45).…”