Socio-Economic Determinants of Adolescent Pregnancy in India

RAJNEE KUMARI, NA

Adolescent pregnancy remains a critical public health issue in low- and middle-income countries like India, driven by early marriage and traditional norms. Such pregnancies leading to complications including maternal mortality and adverse outcomes. This study examines data from the National Family Health Surveys (NFHS-4 and NFHS-5), focusing on girls aged 15-19 years. Adolescent pregnancy is assessed through live births, abortions, stillbirths, and miscarriages. Variables analyzed include age, religion, caste, education, wealth, residence, marital status, media exposure, and family planning. Prevalence rates are calculated per 10,000 adolescent women, with bivariate analysis and binary logistic regression conducted. The adolescent pregnancy rate decreased from 7.9% to 6.8%, with higher rates in rural areas. Increased education and wealth were associated with lower rates, while Scheduled Tribes and the poorest women had higher rates. Regional disparities were evident, with decreases in the East but increases in the North and Central regions. Media and family planning exposure were linked to lower rates, though contraceptive use showed an unexpected association with higher pregnancy odds. The study reveals a slight decline in adolescent pregnancy rates, with significant urban-rural and socioeconomic disparities. Targeted interventions focusing on education, wealth, and media exposure are essential to further reduce rates.

Keywords: Children, Adolescents, and Youth, Fertility, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

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