Philippine E-Journals

Global Crisis of Teenage Pregnancy: A Narrative Review of Causes and Risk Factors

Belinda A Ramos

 

Abstract:

The prevalence of teenage pregnancy remains high in spite of the declining trends few decades ago. Although teenage pregnancy is higher in developing countries, the developed ones are still confronted with the same challenge of dealing with a high number of adolescent pregnancies. The study aimed to determine the similarities and differences in the causes and risk factors that contribute to teenage pregnancy. The study used of the narrative review to analyze articles, literatures and vital statistic reports to answer the questions under study. Results showed that both in developing and developed countries, the most important cause and risk factors of teenage pregnancy is socio-economic in nature. Developed nations have policies and programs geared to reduce the adolescent pregnancy but are not successful so far in preventing its occurrence. In developing countries, in addition to the socio-economic and demographic characteristics of the teenage females, the cultural/religious/ethnic orientation has great impact on the occurrence of teenage pregnancy. Most countries have not fully accepted the public health implications of teenage pregnancy to warrant priority attention by the particular government. Authors have recommended that a good sex education, family and social support as well as political will are needed to prevent and reduce the rising numbers of young females getting pregnant.