Teen-age pregnancy, knowledge and attitude towards it among pregnant women attending Ante-Natal Clinic of a tertiary health care hospital of the highest literate district of West Bengal

Abstract

Abstract: teen-age pregnancy is a rising social problem, can cause a lot of maternal and fetal complications. This study was conducted to find out proportion of teen-age pregnancy and knowledge and attitude towards it among the pregnant women.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 205 pregnant women attending ante-natal clinic of a tertiary care hospital of Purba Midnapore, West Bengal with one month of duration. socio-demographic, marital, pregnancy related details and knowledge, attitude towards teen-age pregnancy were taken in a pre-designed, pretested questionnaire.

Results: Most of the participants were in the age-group of 20 years to 39 years (78.5%), from rural areas (88.3%), were literate mostly having education till secondary level (37.1%), belongs to lower-middle class socio-economic status (42.4%). Teen-age pregnancy proportion was 21%. Majority responded about ideal age of getting pregnant should be more than 21 years (70.2%). 77.1% responded positively about harmfulness of getting pregnant before 19 years of age. 65.3% knew about contraceptive methods. 67.8% thought education regarding contraceptives and reproduction is necessary in school. 94.7% agreed that pregnancy should be planned with their consent. 79% heard of The Prohibition of Child Marriage (PCMA) Act and 68% heard of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) act.

Conclusion: Teenage pregnancy remains a significant public health issue and gaps in awareness and practice persist. Strengthening school-based reproductive education, healthcare accessibility, and community engagement can improve knowledge and attitudes towards teenage pregnancy.