Adolescents’ childbearing dynamics in urban Mozambique: a qualitative analysis in Maputo, Quelimane and Lichinga cities
Population studies
31
Issue: 1
(12 - 2017)
Despite the implementation of some policies and programs aimed at reducing early and unsafe
adolescent sexual activity, adolescent pregnancy and childbearing are major concerns in Mozambique.
About 40% of adolescents aged I5 to 19 are already mothers or pregnant. In light of this high
prevalence of early motherhood, this paper aims at discussing socioeconomic and cultural factors
influencing adolescent pregnancy and childbearing in urban Mozambique. We use the socioecological
perspective framework to analyze focus group discussions data with adolescents, parents and
community leaders in the cities of Maputo, Quelimane, and Lichinga. The study reveals that instructions
transmitted in the initiation rites, living conditions and the exposure to information and communication
technology are the main factors influencing early pregnancy and childbearing among adolescents in
Mozambique. Adolescents should be empowered on knowledge about sexuality to prevent early
childbearing, and protect them from STls. Parents should be encouraged to talk openly about sexuality
with their children.
Keywords: Adolescents, Pregnancy, Mozambique, Socioeconomic-factors, Cultural-factors
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