Childbearing in adolescents aged 12–15 years in low resource countries: a neglected issue. New estimates from demographic and household surveys in 42 countries

TLDR

Adolescent pregnancy poses greater health risks for the youngest girls, yet fertility rates for those under 16 have not been comprehensively estimated. The study aims to estimate age‑specific birth rates for girls 12‑15 and the proportion giving birth at 15 or younger using 42 surveys, and to emphasize the need for strategies to reduce these high levels. Data were drawn from 42 large, nationally representative household surveys in low‑resource countries conducted since 2003. Approximately 2.5 million births occur annually to girls under 16 in low‑resource countries, with the highest rates in Sub‑Saharan Africa where over 10 % of girls in Chad, Guinea, Mali, Mozambique, Niger and Sierra Leone become mothers before 16.

Abstract

Abstract There is strong evidence that the health risks associated with adolescent pregnancy are concentrated among the youngest girls (e.g. those under 16 years). Fertility rates in this age group have not previously been comprehensively estimated and published. By drawing data from 42 large, nationally representative household surveys in low resource countries carried out since 2003 this article presents estimates of age‐specific birth rates for girls aged 12–15, and the percentage of girls who give birth at age 15 or younger. From these we estimate that approximately 2.5 million births occur to girls aged under 16 in low resource countries each year. The highest rates are found in Sub‐Saharan Africa, where in Chad, Guinea, Mali, Mozambique, Niger and Sierra Leone more than 10% of girls become mothers before they are 16. Strategies to reduce these high levels are vital if we are to alleviate poor reproductive health.