Voices from Rural Thailand: Understanding the Root Causes of Adolescent Pregnancy
Issued Date
2024-10-01
Resource Type
ISSN
25281542
eISSN
24771570
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85215570843
Journal Title
Public Health of Indonesia
Volume
10
Issue
4
Start Page
56
End Page
67
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Public Health of Indonesia Vol.10 No.4 (2024) , 56-67
Suggested Citation
Laisuwannachart P., Chamroonsawasdi K., Vatanasomboon P., Kittipichai W. Voices from Rural Thailand: Understanding the Root Causes of Adolescent Pregnancy. Public Health of Indonesia Vol.10 No.4 (2024) , 56-67. 67. doi:10.36685/PHI.V10I4.870 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/103069
Title
Voices from Rural Thailand: Understanding the Root Causes of Adolescent Pregnancy
Author's Affiliation
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Background: Adolescent pregnancy is an important global health concern. Almost 21 million adolescent women between the ages of 15 and 19 in developing countries become pregnant, and approximately 12 million of them give birth annually. Adolescent pregnancy has consequences for the health, social, and economic outcomes of adolescent women, their babies, and their families. Those in rural areas are particularly vulnerable due to poverty, inadequate education, limited access to contraception, and traditional beliefs. Objective: This qualitative study aims to explore the root causes of adolescent pregnancy in rural Thailand. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted from August to September 2023. We collected data through in-depth interviews with three mother-daughter dyads, whose daughters experienced adolescent pregnancy, and focus group discussions among four healthcare providers and four school teachers. We transcribed the data verbatim and applied thematic analysis. Results: The findings showed that the root causes of adolescent pregnancy include: 1) inadequate problem-solving skills to prevent adolescent pregnancy; 2) ineffective sexual communication; 3) poor family relationships; and 4) poor behavior control to prevent adolescent pregnancy. Conclusion: Our findings reveal the root causes of adolescent pregnancy in rural Thailand. Understanding these factors allows us to better address the unique challenges faced by adolescents in these communities. We should focus on these factors to design tailored interventions and involve multilevel stakeholders, including family, school, and healthcare services to prevent adolescent pregnancy.