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