Social-economic Determinants and Outcomes Among Teenage-pregnancies in Machakos County

Abstract

The main aim of this research project is to investigate the socioeconomic disparities and outcomes among teenage pregnancies in Machakos County. Further, the study examined how these socioeconomic disparities influence the occurrence of teenage pregnancies in the county and at the same time investigated the socio-economic outcomes of these teenage pregnancies. The study employed a cross-sectional descriptive study structure. The research was conducted in five select sub counties (20 households per Sub County), four level 4 hospitals and the Machakos County Referral Hospital all in Machakos County. Research participants were teenagers aged 13-19. A self/assistant administered questionnaire was used as the primary data collection tool. Participants were sampled using simple random sampling method. Data collected was analyzed using Stata Statistical software. The econometric model used was a multivariate regression model. The study results showed that 90% teenage pregnancies occurred between 15-19 years. Seventy eight percent of the pregnant teenagers were single. Further, the major socioeconomic determinants of teenage pregnancy were found to be mode of schooling with an odd ratio (OR) of 3.03; household income 2.84; fathers’ education level with OR of 2.99; and favors for sex with OR of 2.56. In conclusion, the studied socioeconomic determinants didn’t have significant influence on teenage pregnancies’ outcomes on marital status, financial dependence and schooling outcomes. The study recommends developing means and methods that economically empower parents and girls from low socioeconomic backgrounds; strengthening policies that address support for pregnant teenage girls and the dynamics facing teenage girls in day secondary schools.