Experiences of adolescent pregnancy among Maasai in Kenya: Implications for prevention

Adolescent fertility rates are high in Kenya and increase the likelihood of maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. The objectives were to (1) explore the prevalence of unintended pregnancy among Maasai adolescent mothers, (2) understand the context in which pregnancy is occurring, and (3) suggest community-based strategies to prevent adolescent pregnancy. In in-depth, individual, qualitative interviews with Maasai females that gave birth during adolescence, pregnancy was unintended in 100% of cases. Our results suggest a desire among this population to prevent pregnancy and the need for contraception. Our recommendations include comprehensive sex education that targets very young adolescents, implementation of mechanisms to strive toward universal primary education, and the provision of resources and skills to adolescents that they need to practice safer sex.