Causes of early motherhood, consequences and prevention strategies: The case of early pregnant teenagers

Abstract

This paper examined root causes of early pregnant teenagers under 19 years old. We selected 30 young girls from 3 districts of the southern Rwanda, who have been pregnant between 2018, 2019 and 2020. We decided to use "life story telling" methods whose analysis led us to the surprising major findings like the fact that more than 70% of our sample got pregnancy after the school abandon, 80% did not have any or false information on the sexual education and 90% of men pregnancy responsible are under 23 years old and are single. The findings showed also that more than 70% of the samples have no both parents. The findings established that negative influences from peers and environment, care free attitude of parents among others were factors that pre-dispose the girl-child to early motherhood. Also the effects include disruption of academic process, school drop-outs and poor public image. It was therefore, recommended that schools and homes should be more protective and shields the girl-child from negative influences. Education of the girl-child should be free and compulsory to enable teenage mothers go back to school after nursing her baby as many would love to do but for financial constraints The findings showed also that more than 70% of the sample have no both parents.