Adolescent pregnancy in Mongolia: Evidence from Mongolia Social Indicator Sample Survey 2013-2018

Adolescent pregnancy is a major public health and social concern which pose enormous pregnancy and delivery-related risks for both the mother and their neonate. This study aims to estimate adolescent pregnancy and determine the factors associated with adolescent pregnancy in Mongolia.

This study pooled data from 2013 and 2018 Mongolia, Social Indicator Sample Surveys (MSISS). A total of 2808 adolescent girls aged 15-19 years with socio-demographic information were included in this study. Adolescent pregnancy is defined as pregnancy in a female 19 years of age or younger. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors associated with adolescent pregnancy in Mongolia.

Adolescent pregnancy was estimated at 57.62 [95% Confidence Interval (CI): 44.41, 70.84] per 1000 adolescent girls aged 15-19 years. Multivariable analyses reported higher adolescent pregnancy in the countryside [Adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR) = 2.07 (95%CI: 1.08, 3.96)], with increasing age [AOR = 11.50 (95%CI: 6.64, 19.92)], among adolescent girls who used contraception methods [AOR = 10.80 (95%CI: 6.34, 18.40)], among adolescent girls from the poorest households [AOR = 3.32 (95%CI: 1.39, 7.93)], and among adolescent girls who drank alcohol [AOR = 2.10 (95%CI: 1.22, 3.62)].

Identifying the factors associated with adolescent pregnancy is crucial in reducing adolescent pregnancy and improving the sexual and reproductive health as well as the social and economic well-being of adolescents thus setting Mongolia on the path to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 by 2030.