Factors Related to the Intention to Repeat Pregnancy among Pregnant Adolescents

Abstract

Background and objectives: Repeat pregnancy in adolescent is a serious concern problem for the public health and the society. This study aimed to determine factors related to the intention to repeat pregnancy among adolescents.

Methods: This is a prospective descriptive study. The sample was 70 multiparous adolescents who attended prenatal care unit at Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima hospital during January to April 2013. Data was collected by using questionnaires comprising the demographic data, the attitude towards repeated pregnancy, the subjective norm, the perceived behavior efficacy in preventing repeated pregnancy, and the intention to repeat pregnancy. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, and the Binary Logistic Regression.

Results: Among 52 participants who intend to have repeated pregnant adolescents, the average age was 18.09 years (SD=1.7). The average age of those who have the first pregnancy was 16.16 years (SD=1.07). The 87% of pregnant adolescents had second pregnancy. Factors found to be related to the intention to repeat pregnancy include the age (OR=0.167; 95%CI=0.041 – 0.686), age of  husband (OR=0.286; 95%CI=0.085 – 0.959), history of contraceptive (OR=0.625; 95%CI=0.502 – 0.778), the attitude towards repeat pregnancy (OR=0.015; 95%CI=0.005 – 0.475), the subjective norm (OR=0.020; 95%CI=0.002 – 0.174) and the perceived behavior efficacy in preventing repeat pregnancy (OR=0.213; 95%CI=0.055 – 0.817) respectively.

Conclusions: Pregnant adolescents who have intention to repeat pregnancy mostly were the late adolescence. Those who have older husbands and no contraceptive or contraceptive inconsistency, had positive attitude towards pregnancy, had the subjective norm or believed that their close relatives wanted them to have repeat pregnancy. They also perceived that they have good behavior efficacy in preventing pregnancy. The study suggested that to prevent repeat pregnancy in adolescents by evaluate intention and factors related to intention to repeat pregnancy among adolescent mothers after giving birth.