Socio economic and cultural factors associated with pregnancy among adolescent girls in Magu district Mwanza.

A case control study was undertaken in Magu district, Mwanza region during January-February 2000, to determine the factors associated with pregnancy among adolescent girls in Magu district. The communities within Magu district were selected using a multistage sampling technique involving wards and villages. Recruitment of cases (ever pregnant) was carried out by inquiry at village level and household level. Additional cases were obtained by inquiry at the antenatal clinics. Controls (never pregnant) were randomly selected from the same/neighborhood communities. Information on risk factors for pregnancy was obtained using a structured questionnaire. A total of 360 adolescent girls were interviewed, (120 Cases and 240 Controls). The results of this study indicate that low use of contraceptives was significantly associated with teenage pregnancy among the studied population, OR=17.01, 95%CI= (8.73-33.64). The risk of pregnancy was significantly high in girls living with their fathers than those living with both parents; the adjusted OR was 16.09, (95%CI=1.6-161.91). Those girls who «-ere living with their mothers were more likely to get pregnant than those who were living with both parents, OR 14.04, (95%CI=6.3930.84). Respondents with no formal education were more likely at risk for pregnancy than those with secondary education; the OR was 15.55, (95%CI==1.60-151.30). This study also identified low knowledge on conception, OR=3.39;(95%CI=107.88), low level of household socio economic status, OR=3.13;(95%CI=1.45-6.71), older age of sexual partners, OR=2.90; (95%CI=1.46.74), and young age, OR=1.36: (95%CI=1.11-1.67) as risk factors for teenage pregnancy among adolescent girls. This study concludes that are multifaceted factors (and not a single factor) that make adolescent girls involve themselves into high-risk behaviour for pregnancy. In order to improve the situation, it is recommended that:- As many girls as possible should attain at least primary education. Community education on responsible parenthood should be established. Sex education should start as early as possible and efforts being made to improve nation economy should be strengthened.