Prevalence of Adolescent Motherhood in conflict-affected regions of Cameroon
1
School of Nursing and Public Health, University of Kwazulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Adolescent motherhood remains a significant public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries, with socio-economic, cultural, and conflict-related factors exacerbating its prevalence. This study examines the prevalence of adolescent motherhood in conflict-affected regions of Cameroon. The study aims to assess the socio-demographic determinants influencing adolescent pregnancy and the impact of ongoing conflict on young girls.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 606 adolescent girls aged 10–19 years across three health districts. A multistage cluster sampling approach was used to select participants, and data was collected using structured, interview-administered questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and inferential analyses, including Chi-square tests and t-tests, were used to examine associations between socio-demographic variables and adolescent motherhood. Ethical approval was obtained from relevant institutions.
RESULTS:
The prevalence of adolescent motherhood was 21.62%, with significant regional variations—Bamenda (37.74%), Mamfe (14.66%), and Buea (7.30%). Age was a key determinant, with the prevalence increasing from 13.33% among 15–16-year-olds to 32.52% among 17–19-year-olds (p<0.001). Marital status played a significant role, as 84.00% of adolescents were in "come we stay" relationships, and 79.41% of married adolescents were pregnant, compared to 15.02% of single adolescents (p<0.001). Educational attainment was inversely related to adolescent motherhood, with the highest prevalence observed among those with lower educational levels (p=0.004). Religious affiliation and occupational status also influenced adolescent pregnancy rates, with Muslim adolescents (57.58%) and unemployed girls (48.48%) exhibiting the highest prevalence rates.
CONCLUSIONS:
Adolescent motherhood is highly prevalent in conflict-affected regions of Cameroon, with significant socio-demographic disparities. The findings underscore the need for multi-sectoral interventions, including improved access to education, reproductive health services, and community-driven initiatives to delay early pregnancies. Addressing adolescent motherhood in Cameroon requires urgent policy action, particularly in conflict-affected areas. Future research should focus on evaluating intervention strategies and understanding the long-term socio-economic consequences of adolescent motherhood.
Adolescent motherhood remains a significant public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries, with socio-economic, cultural, and conflict-related factors exacerbating its prevalence. This study examines the prevalence of adolescent motherhood in conflict-affected regions of Cameroon. The study aims to assess the socio-demographic determinants influencing adolescent pregnancy and the impact of ongoing conflict on young girls.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 606 adolescent girls aged 10–19 years across three health districts. A multistage cluster sampling approach was used to select participants, and data was collected using structured, interview-administered questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and inferential analyses, including Chi-square tests and t-tests, were used to examine associations between socio-demographic variables and adolescent motherhood. Ethical approval was obtained from relevant institutions.
RESULTS:
The prevalence of adolescent motherhood was 21.62%, with significant regional variations—Bamenda (37.74%), Mamfe (14.66%), and Buea (7.30%). Age was a key determinant, with the prevalence increasing from 13.33% among 15–16-year-olds to 32.52% among 17–19-year-olds (p<0.001). Marital status played a significant role, as 84.00% of adolescents were in "come we stay" relationships, and 79.41% of married adolescents were pregnant, compared to 15.02% of single adolescents (p<0.001). Educational attainment was inversely related to adolescent motherhood, with the highest prevalence observed among those with lower educational levels (p=0.004). Religious affiliation and occupational status also influenced adolescent pregnancy rates, with Muslim adolescents (57.58%) and unemployed girls (48.48%) exhibiting the highest prevalence rates.
CONCLUSIONS:
Adolescent motherhood is highly prevalent in conflict-affected regions of Cameroon, with significant socio-demographic disparities. The findings underscore the need for multi-sectoral interventions, including improved access to education, reproductive health services, and community-driven initiatives to delay early pregnancies. Addressing adolescent motherhood in Cameroon requires urgent policy action, particularly in conflict-affected areas. Future research should focus on evaluating intervention strategies and understanding the long-term socio-economic consequences of adolescent motherhood.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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