Exploring The Factors Influencing Teenage Marital Pregnancy In India: Insights From NFHS 5 Using Cox Proportional Hazard Regression Analysis

Abstract

Teenage pregnancy remains a substantial global concern due to its well-documented causes and the health, social, and economic implications it poses. India, having one of the world's largest teenage populations, continues to deal with customs that support early marriage and hence result in teenage pregnancies. Alarmingly, nearly one-fifth of adolescent women engage in sexual activity before attaining the age of 15, and more than 50% before turning 18. Given the possible deleterious influence of teenage pregnancy on child health, which is a significant prognosticator of future human resources, it is fundamental to analyze the condition in a developing nation like India. The primary objective of this study was to ascertain the risk variables associated with teenage pregnancy in India. A comparative cross-sectional study was done in India utilizing secondary data from the fifth phase of the National Family Health Survey. Descriptive statistics were used to scrutinize the frequency and trends in teen pregnancy in India. Furthermore, to identify possible risk variables for teenage pregnancy in India, a Cox proportional hazard regression was used. Teenage pregnancy in India has seen a noteworthy reduction over time, but significant state-level variations persist. Tripura has the maximum prevalence, followed by West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, and Bihar. Regression analysis emphasizes the influence of factors like residency, cultural background, education, media accessibility, and family planning awareness in shaping teenage pregnancy rates in India. Teenage pregnancy is induced by intricate factors, involving socioeconomic settings and gender biases. To combat it effectively, focussing on economic disproportions and fostering girls' education should be linked with inclusive family planning programs and increased consciousness about contraception.