Teenage pregnancy and its determinants among adolescents during the Ethiopian civil war: a community-based...

Teenage pregnancy is a global issue that impacts nations across all income levels. In times of conflict, the closure of schools disrupts not only academic progress but also critical health education and support systems that protect adolescents from early pregnancies. Although there is an increasing body of research on how war affects health and education, little is known about the specific impact of school closures and civil war on teenage pregnancy rates. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of teenage pregnancy during school closures and civil war in the Dangila district.

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 449 adolescents from May 1 to July 30, 2024. A systematic sampling technique was employed to select the study participants. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. After data collection, SPSS version 26 software was used for analysis. Factors associated with teenage pregnancy were identified using bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models. Statistical significance was defined as a 95% confidence interval (CI) and a p-value < 0.05.

The study found that the prevalence of teenage pregnancy in the Dangila district was 39.40% (95% CI: 37.53, 41.22). Adolescents who lacked formal education (AOR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.80-2.30), were unaware of when to take emergency contraceptives (AOR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.03-2.01), had poor parent-daughter interactions (AOR = 2.70, 95% CI: 1.66-4.56), and lived with either of their biological parents (AOR = 3.14, 95% CI: 2.11-4.67) or neither biological parent (AOR = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.50-3.68) were significantly associated with teenage pregnancy.

This study concluded that the prevalence of teenage pregnancy is high. Factors such as the educational level of adolescents, knowledge of when to take emergency contraceptives, parent-daughter interaction, and living arrangements were statistically significant in relation to teenage pregnancy. Negotiations between armed groups, the creation of a stable environment, and the reopening of schools are necessary to reduce this prevalence. Furthermore, implementing age-appropriate sexual education programs and improving parent-daughter communication regarding sexual health through seminars and workshops are crucial to address the issue.