Trend analysis of age-specific adolescent pregnancy among antenatal care registrants, Savannah Region, Ghana 2018 to 2022

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescent pregnancy prevalence is a key determinant of health and socio-economic growth, affecting maternal and perinatal outcomes. In Ghana, it is roughly three times higher than in developed countries. Understanding age-specific dynamics is essential for meeting the sustainable development goal (SDG) for reproductive health targets. This study aimed to assess the period prevalence of adolescent pregnancies in the Savannah region, identify the district with the highest prevalence, determine the age-specific adolescent birth rate, and analyze trends in reducing birth rate for both early and late adolescent pregnancies. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of a single data set over five years (2018 – 2022) in the Savannah Region. Records of adolescent mothers on ante-natal visits at registration from the District Health Information Management System 2 DHIMS2 were utilized. Age-specific bivariate analysis was conducted at a 95% confidence interval using Microsoft Excel 2018. We analysed the data by year and determined the period prevalence, age-specific adolescent birth rate (ASABR), and rate of change in prevalence. Microsoft Excel spreadsheet was used in analyzing the data. We presented results graphically with a forest plot, simple line and bar graphs, and a map using QGIS. Results: The period prevalence of adolescent pregnancy in the Savannah Region was 117.50 childbirths per 1000 women (95% CI: of 102.17 -– 131.92). Prevalence among late adolescents was 230 childbirths per 1000 (95% CI: of 165. I3- 296.01) with a rate of change of +0.8 childbirths per 1000 women per year. Early adolescent pregnancy prevalence was 6.57 (95% CI: 3.46 -– 9.68) with a rate of change of +0.4 child births per 1000 women per year. The prevalence in the Bole District was 230 births per 1000 (95% CI; 165-296). Conclusion: Adolescent pregnancy prevalence in the Savannah Region exceeds global estimates for Sub-Saharan Africa, with early adolescent pregnancies showing the least reduction over the five years despite interventions implemented. Bole District had the highest prevalence in the region. Targeted interventions and policies are needed to strengthen sexual and reproductive health, particularly in high-burden areas with slower reductions.

Keywords

• adolescent pregnancy
• savannah region
• period prevalence
• age-specific adolescent birth rate