Teen pregnancy in rural western Kenya: a public health issue

Rates of teenage pregnancy remain high in sub-Saharan Africa. The KEMRI Health and Demographic Surveillance System provided the sampling frame for a survey. Analysis focused on 1,952 girls aged 13–19 years. Over a third (37.2%; n = 727) were sexually active and 23.3% (n = 454) had ever been pregnant. Adjusted odds of reporting a history of pregnancy were greater for older compared to younger teens, teens who were ever married or cohabiting compared to those who were single, teens with a primary education or less compared to those with a higher level of education, and teens who experienced partner violence in the last 12 months. Three-quarters of teens pregnant in the last 12 months did not want to get pregnant (n = 190); only 64.2% (n = 122) answered yes to using any family planning method. Teen pregnancy and its consequences are serious public health issues. Higher education levels are a crucial component to address the problem.