Teenage pregnancy and the sociodemographic attributes as a major contributor: Findings from an urban referral center in Nepal

BACKGROUND Teenage pregnancy is a challenging issue worldwide.Yet,despite the increased health risk and socioeconomic impact of teenage pregnancy,the numbers remain high in Nepal.AIM To determine the prevalence and sociodemographic factors associated with teenage pregnancy in Nepal.METHODS A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital from April to August 2017.A total of 1359 mothers were assessed and interviewed regarding their reproductive history and sociodemographic attributes.Ethical approval from the Nepal Health Research Council,permission from the concerned hospital,and consent from study subjects were obtained.RESULTS Of the 5526 deliveries,679(12.3%)were teenage pregnancy deliveries.The majority(85.1%)of mothers(out of 1359)were married at<20 years of age,with a mean age of marriage of 17.57 years(±1.994,range:12-25 years).Marriage age was a significant determinant of teenage pregnancy(odds ratio[OR]2.423[2.262-2.596];P<0.001).Likewise,a love marriage(OR:2.018[1.585-2.570];P<0.001)and first teenage pregnancy(OR:3.622[3.265-4.017];P<0.001)were significant determinants for subsequent teen pregnancies.Knowledge of family planning methods(OR:0.474;0.288-0.779;P=0.003)and use of any methods of family planning utilization(OR:0.345;0.248-0.479;P=0.000)significantly lowered the chance of teenage pregnancy.CONCLUSION Teenage pregnancy occupies a substantial proportion of total deliveries in the Nepalese maternity hospital.In addition,early pregnancy was significantly associated with age and type of marriage,education level,knowledge,and practice of contraceptive methods.