Determinants of adolescent pregnancy and access to reproductive and sexual health services for married and unmarried adolescents in rural Lao PDR: a qualitative study

Abstract

The determinants of teenage pregnancy in this setting are multi-dimensional, and require a range of responses. As some of the determinants are deeply embedded in the system of local values, beliefs and practices, and form part of the logic of what it is to become a healthy woman, these practices are deeply entrenched and may be resistant to new knowledge. The challenge therefore is to find culturally responsive strategies that enable individual and collectively agency.