Early Child Marriages, Unintended Pregnancies, and its impact on the Health of Young Girls in South Punjab

Abstract

Background: Unwanted pregnancies are a significant public health issue in South Punjab, Pakistan, largely due to low contraception use and a substantial unmet need for family planning. The high fertility rate and maternal mortality in the region are further compounded by the prevalence of unwanted pregnancies, which also contribute to educational dropouts among girls and affect maternal health adversely. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the impact of education level, household size, wealth index, and type of residency on pregnancy intentions among women in Southern Punjab. Methods: Utilizing a survey design, data from 1,100 women aged 13 to 49, both from slum and non-slum areas across several districts in Southern Punjab, were analysed. Logistic regression and simple percentages were employed to assess the associations between socio-demographic factors and pregnancy intentions. Results: The results indicated that women with higher education levels had a higher proportion of intended pregnancies (220 out of 320, 68.75%) compared to those with no education (20 out of 70, 28.57%). In terms of household size, smaller households (1-2 persons) had a higher incidence of intended pregnancies (60 out of 130, 46.15%) compared to larger households (6 or more persons, 230 out of 490, 46.94%). Regarding the wealth index, the 'rich' category showed a higher likelihood of intended pregnancies (200 out of 255, 78.43%) compared to the 'poor' category (200 out of 530, 37.74%). Additionally, women residing in non-slum areas reported a higher rate of intended pregnancies (340 out of 550, 61.82%) than those in slum areas (350 out of 550, 63.64%). Conclusion: The study underscores the influence of socio-demographic factors on pregnancy intentions. Education level, household size, wealth index, and type of residency are pivotal in determining the likelihood of intended pregnancies. Tailoring family planning initiatives to these factors can significantly improve reproductive health outcomes in Southern Punjab.