Factors Associated with Repeat Pregnancies among Adolescent Mothers: Analysis of the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey Data 2022

Abstract

Background: Adolescent motherhood is a global public health concern, particularly affecting low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In Kenya, where the teenage pregnancy rate stands at 15%, addressing repeat adolescent pregnancies is crucial. This study utilizes data from the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) to investigate the factors influencing the occurrence of repeat pregnancies among adolescent mothers aged 15-19. Understanding these factors is essential for developing effective interventions to improve the health and well-being of adolescent mothers and their offspring. Methods: The study's dataset comprises 42,022 households from the 2022 KDHS. It focuses on 6,404 adolescent mothers aged 15-19. Demographic factors, considered as independent variables, were examined using SPSS. The analysis encompassed descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and multivariable logistic regression. The study's outcome variable was defined as experiencing one or more pregnancies during adolescence. Results: Among the adolescent mothers, 68.6% resided in rural areas, 58.1% had attained a secondary education level, and 86.0% demonstrated the ability to read complete sentences. Notably, 2.3% experienced repeat pregnancies. The study identified several significant factors associated with repeated adolescent pregnancies, including rural residence, lower educational attainment, male-headed households, illiteracy, and lack of mobile phone ownership, lower wealth index, and contraceptive use. Logistic regression analysis revealed that using contraception, both outside and within the calendar, was strongly associated with an increased likelihood of repeat pregnancies (AOR=9.534 and AOR=5.887, respectively). These findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions to address reproductive health disparities among adolescent mothers. Conclusion and recommendation This study highlights the complexity of repeated adolescent pregnancies in Kenya, emphasizing education, contraception, and gender equity. Recommendations include comprehensive education and improved access to contraceptives.