Predictors of Adolescent Pregnancy in Northeast India: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Dipankar Roy; Avijit Debnath; Niranjan Roy; Munmi Sarma; Shanku Paul; Dipanjan Roy; Jayashree Das

doi:10.55489/njcm.160520255117

Authors

Dipankar Roy Department of Economics, Government Model Degree College, Borkhola, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0485-5941
Avijit Debnath Department of Economics, Assam University, Silchar, India https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5085-1864
Niranjan Roy Department of Economics, Assam University, Silchar, India https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5434-6611
Munmi Sarma Department of Economics, Nehru College, Pailapool, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4846-6366
Shanku Paul Department of Economics, Assam University, Silchar, India https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4246-9267
Dipanjan Roy Department of Surgical Oncology, Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Science (RMLIMS), Lucknow, India https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3208-1469
Jayashree Das Department of Economics, Assam University, Silchar, India https://orcid.org/0009-0003-3249-2628

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55489/njcm.160520255117

Keywords:

Early Marriage, Teenage Pregnancy, Reproductive Behaviour, Northeast, Cox Proportional Hazard Regression

Abstract

Background: Worldwide teenage pregnancy marks a major public health concern that hits hardest in countries with lower and medium incomes. A recent national family health survey study shows adolescent pregnancy rates climbed in three northeastern states while other parts of the country recorded progress. Understanding the factors contributing to marital teenage pregnancy is crucial for improving the health status of both mother and new born.

Materials and Methods: The present study looked at teenage marital pregnancy trends and their risk factors in Northeast India based on NFHS-5 household data. Using Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, risk factors associated with teenage marital pregnancy was identified in the region.

Results: Findings reveal Tripura leads all states in northeast India with maximum teenage pregnancy cases and Assam ranks second. Results show that teenagers in rural areas who follow the Islamic faith and have lower education levels plus minimal media contact face higher chances of encountering pregnancy during teenage while peers do not.

Conclusions: The study recommends targeted interventions to improve access to educational opportunities along with awareness and family planning measures in rural areas to address cultural and religious factors that may influence attitudes towards child marriage and teenage pregnancy.

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