Determinants of Early Pregnancies Among Schoolgirls in the City of Bunia, Ituri Province, DR Congo
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Abstract
Teenage sexual and reproductive health is a key component of comprehensive health care and plays a crucial role in shaping a country’s demographic dividend. Early pregnancy among schoolgirls represents a serious public health challenge. Beyond the health implications, it has far-reaching social and economic consequences for individuals, families and communities. This was a quantitative study with a descriptive correlational design using a cross-sectional method. It was conducted in secondary schools in the city of Bunia from March 5 to June 26, 2025, among 210 female students in the final grade. The sample size was determined using the Lynch formula. Multistage probability sampling was used to select the participants. Data were collected through document analysis and directive semi-structured interviews. SPSS version 20 was used for data processing and analysis. Confidentiality and anonymity were guaranteed after obtaining informed consent. The study found that 11,4 % of students had experienced at least one pregnancy, with 79,8 % aged between 15 and 18 years. All (100 %) were in consensual union. One-third (33,3 %) of pregnancies occurred during basic education. Significant determinants of early pregnancy included being in a relationship, lack of sexual knowledge, absence of effective sexuality education programs, sexual activity and alcohol or drug use. Early pregnancy among students remains a major public health concern for educational, community and family stakeholders due to its profound impact on adolescents’ lives. There is an urgent need for effective interventions aimed at identifying and implementing concrete strategies to address this issue in schools across the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly in Bunia City in Ituri Province.
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