Exploring Contemporary Issues of Adolescent Pregnancies in Kenya: Further Analysis Of 2014 And 2020 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey Datasets Files

Abstract

Background Adolescent pregnancy is a pressing issue with significant social and health consequences for both mothers and children, particularly in developing countries with limited access to quality healthcare. Despite policy and program interventions, adolescent pregnancies continue to have adverse outcomes. The examined trends and contemporary issues related to adolescent pregnancies in Kenya using data from the 2014 and 2020 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey datasets files. Methods Kenya Demographic and Health Survey datasets for 2014 and 2020 were used. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze trends in adolescent pregnancies, while binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with adolescent pregnancies. Results The study found a significant decrease in the prevalence of adolescent pregnancies from 18.8% in 2014 to 12.2% in 2020 (p 0.001), with a higher prevalence in rural areas. Over 70% of the pregnancies were unintended, and sexual initiation before the age of 15 was associated with a higher risk of pregnancy. Wealth status, education, access to healthcare, and household size were significantly associated with adolescent pregnancy. Conclusion The study observed a concerning rise in adolescent pregnancies, primarily affecting girls aged 15-19. This was driven by the interplay of socio-demographic, economic, and cultural factors, which greatly impacted rural and disadvantaged communities.