Navigating the terrain of teenage pregnancy: a socio-demographic and health outcomes study focused on contraceptive knowledge, attitudes, and practices among urban adolescents

Nidhi Fotedar; N. R. Ramesh Masthi; Sanjana Lakshminarayana

doi:10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20242489

Authors

Nidhi Fotedar Department of Community Medicine, KIMS, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
N. R. Ramesh Masthi Department of Community Medicine, KIMS, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Sanjana Lakshminarayana Department of Community Medicine, KIMS, Bangalore, Karnataka, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20242489

Keywords:

Teenage pregnancy, India, Urban adolescents, Reproductive health, Contraceptives

Abstract

Background: Teenage pregnancy remains a significant public health concern in India, with far-reaching implications for maternal and child health. This study aims to examine the socio-demographic profiles, pregnancy outcomes, and contraceptive knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among urban adolescents in Bangalore.

Methods: This hybrid study combined retrospective analysis of 707 antenatal records and prospective follow-up of 62 pregnant teenagers (aged <19 years) at an urban referral hospital in Bangalore between August 2021 and January 2022. A structured questionnaire assessed contraceptive KAP via telephone interviews.

Results: Most participants were 19 years old (82.3%) and from Bangalore Urban (77.4%). While 62.9% had heard about contraceptives, only 35.5% reported ever using them. Condoms (48.8%) and birth control pills (38.8%) were the most known methods. Media (44.6%) and healthcare professionals (43.1%) were primary information sources. Attitudes towards contraceptives were largely neutral (80.6%). Partner's refusal (40%) and lack of knowledge (37.6%) were main reasons for non-use. Education was significantly associated with contraceptive knowledge (p=0.022), while the source of information was associated with attitudes (p=0.032).

Conclusions: This study reveals significant gaps in contraceptive knowledge and practices among urban adolescents in Bangalore. Findings highlight the need for comprehensive sexuality education, improved access to youth-friendly reproductive health services, and interventions addressing gender dynamics in contraceptive decision-making. These insights contribute to understanding adolescent reproductive health in urban India and call for multifaceted strategies to reduce teenage pregnancy rates and improve reproductive health outcomes.

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