Table 1.

Common factors affecting adolescent health & adolescent pregnancy

• Low use of modern contraceptive methods (other than condoms- also use OCPs and withdrawal that are unreliable) • Lower economic and educational status and ambition • Abuse and violence • Alcohol and substance use • Low self-esteem and peer-pressure or lack of decision-making power • Lack of access • Lack of information • Poor relationships and lack of support systems/ family structure (Religion and extracurricular protective) • Multiple sexual partners (especially adolescent males) • Rapid repeat pregnancy • Sexual coercion • Different norms of sexual behavior for girls and boys • Early marriage