Title: Prevalence and Determinants of Teenage Pregnancy in Liberia: Evidence from the 2013 and 2019 Liberia Demographic and Health Surveys

Samuel P G Gaye III , Demography Students Group

The rising trend in the rate of teenage pregnancy in Liberia presents a critical public health concern that calls for robust attention to be given to the reproductive health of adolescents. The study examines the prevalence and main causes of teenage pregnancy in Liberia, using data from the 2013 and 2019 LDHS. The results indicated an increase in the rates of teenage pregnancy during the period under survey, hence calling for focused interventions. The analysis used various statistical methods, including chi-square tests and logistic regression models, to identify sociodemographic variables associated with teenage pregnancy. The present study found strong predictors of age, wealth index, region, place of residence, household head's age, marital status, and contraceptive knowledge and use. Poor households have a greater risk of adolescents experiencing early pregnancy. Besides that, limited access to contraceptive education and services, especially in rural areas, contributes to vulnerability among teenagers. There is a great need for programs in adolescent reproductive health to reduce teenage pregnancies. The programs should, therefore, focus on increasing education, healthcare access, and contraceptive information among these girls, especially those coming from poor and rural areas. Improvement in these aspects will help reduce the increasing trend of teenage pregnancy rates and alleviate its social and economic burdens in the country.

Keywords: Children, Adolescents, and Youth

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