Prevalence and Correlates of Adolescent Pregnancy in Kenya

Abstract

Adolescent pregnancy is a major public and social challenge in Kenya. Understanding its prevalence and the associated factors is important for developing appropriate and effective interventions. This study investigated the prevalence and determinants of adolescent pregnancy in Kenya. The study used a sample of 6,025 adolescents aged 15-19 years drawn from the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were used to analyse the data. An adolescent pregnancy prevalence rate of 14.83% [95% CI: 13.93 – 15.73] was found, and significant disparities in adolescent pregnancy rates based on most of the variables included in the study. However, the multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the following factors as significant determinants of adolescent pregnancy in the country: adolescent age, education, household wealth index, age at first sexual intercourse, age at first marriage, and contraceptive use. The findings indicate that the country's adolescent pregnancy rate is relatively moderate compared to those observed in numerous sub-Saharan African countries. However, the prevalence is significantly higher among older adolescents, individuals with limited education, those residing in poor households, early initiators of sexual activity, and those entering into early marriages. The study recommends a multifaceted approach involving the enhancement of adolescent education, implementation of poverty alleviation programs, discouragement of premature engagement in sexual activity and early marriages, and the formulation of comprehensive strategies to prevent and reduce adolescent pregnancies.