Factors shaping first adolescent pregnancy experiences: A secondary analysis of Mashonaland Central Province, Zimbabwe

Aveneni Mangombe, Stanzia Moyo, Jaensch D. Mutede, Marvellous M. Mhloyi

Abstract

Adolescent pregnancy is a public health concern in Zimbabwe, with Mashonaland Central Province most affected. Little is known regarding adolescent first pregnancy experiences. A socio-ecological secondary analysis of factors influencing these experiences was conducted on 309 Mashonaland Central female adolescents (10-19 years), sampled from a 2023 assessment, to address this knowledge gap. The assessment established pregnancies only among 87% of the sexually active 15-19-year-olds. Risk factors included being out-of-school and being married (93% vs. 58% single, p<0.001). First pregnancy outcomes included 88% institutional delivery, live births (63%) and ongoing pregnancy (20%). Emotional stress and isolation were cited as key challenges.  User fees affected access to maternal and newborn care. With first pregnancy experiences being driven by age, marital status, religion gender of primary caregiver and school attendance, there is need for targeted, multi-level interventions that provide life skills oriented and responsive care, whilst enforcing school re-entry and economic empowerment policies.

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