Revista de enfermería y cuidados

Statistical Modelling of Adolescent Pregnancy in Namibia

Abstract

Pazvakawambwa Lillian and Mumbango T

Adolescent pregnancy was considered a private matter that only involved the pregnant adolescent and the immediate family members. This issue has now however become a public concern. An increasing awareness of social and economic consequences of adolescent pregnancy has led to a consensus among researchers and policy makers and the general public at large that adolescent pregnancy and childbearing is a serious social problem. It is linked to concerns such as the spread of HIV/ AIDS, non-marital births, sexual abuse and neglect, abortions, infant and maternal mortality, high rate of unemployment, school failure and drop-outs, and loss of self-esteem and limited future career opportunities. This paper identifies and explains factors that influence adolescent pregnancy in Namibia using the 2006/7 DHS.