Abstract
Adolescent pregnancy poses significant health and socio-economic challenges globally, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. In Ethiopia, early pregnancy is closely linked to school dropout, health risks, and long-term poverty. This study aimed to examine how resilience and social influences, including family, peer, school, and community support, affect the prevention of adolescent pregnancies among high school girls in Addis Ababa. A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among 790 female students aged 15-19 in government high schools in Akaki Kality sub-city using the Adolescent Resilience Questionnaire (ARQ). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression with SPSS version 25. Results showed that 49.4% of respondents had high resilience, which was positively associated with family connectedness (53.2%), family availability (53.5%), peer connectedness (52.3%), and school connectedness (58.1%). Adolescents aged 18-19 were significantly more likely to exhibit high resilience than those aged 15-17 (AOR = 1.42; 95% CI: 1.01-2.01; p = 0.042), and having a father employed in the government sector also predicted higher resilience (AOR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.13-2.30; p = 0.007). These findings suggest that resilience among adolescent girls is strongly shaped by their social environments, particularly family and school connections. Strengthening these protective domains through school-based psychosocial interventions and community engagement may reduce adolescent pregnancy risk, emphasizing the need for targeted programs that build resilience and supportive networks for urban youth in Ethiopia and similar contexts.
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Published in
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World Journal of Public Health (Volume 10, Issue 3)
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DOI
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10.11648/j.wjph.20251003.26
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Page(s)
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360-365 |
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Creative Commons
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This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
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Copyright
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Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group
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Keywords
Adolescent Pregnancy, Resilience, Social Influence, Peer Support, Family Connectedness, Ethiopia, Prevention
1. Introduction
Adolescent pregnancy remains a pressing global public health issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 21 million girls aged 15-19 years become pregnant each year in developing regions, with nearly half of these pregnancies being unintended. In sub-Saharan Africa, adolescent pregnancy is associated with a range of adverse outcomes, including increased maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, school dropout, early marriage, and long-term socioeconomic disadvantage.
In Ethiopia, the 2016 Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) reported that 13% of adolescent girls aged 15-19 had begun childbearing. Although Addis Ababa, the capital city, has a relatively lower adolescent fertility rate compared to rural regions, it still faces significant challenges related to youth sexual and reproductive health. Urban adolescents are exposed to a complex mix of influences, including peer pressure, media exposure, and shifting cultural norms, which can either protect against or increase the risk of early pregnancy
| [1] | Sawyer SM, Azzopardi PS, Wickremarathne D, Patton GC. The age of adolescence. Lancet Child Adolesc Health. 2018; 2(3): 223-228. |
| [2] | Patton GC, Sawyer SM, Santelli JS, et al. Our future: A Lancet commission on adolescent health and wellbeing. Lancet. 2016; 387(10036): 2423-2478. |
| [3] | Yakubu I, Salisu WJ. Determinants of adolescent pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review. Reprod Health. 2018; 15(1): 15. |
[1-3]
.
Resilience, the capacity to adapt positively in the face of adversity, has emerged as a critical protective factor in adolescent development
| [4] | Masten AS. Ordinary magic: Resilience processes in development. Am Psychol. 2001; 56(3): 227-238. |
| [5] | Chandra-Mouli V, Ferguson BJ, Plesons M, et al. The political, research, programmatic and social responses to adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights in the 25 years since ICPD. J Adolesc Health. 2019; 65(6 Suppl): S16-S40. |
[4, 5]
. Resilient adolescents are more likely to make informed decisions, resist peer pressure, and engage in health-promoting behaviors. The Adolescent Resilience Questionnaire (ARQ), developed by Gartland et al., provides a multidimensional framework for assessing resilience across individual and social domains, including family, peers, school, and community.
Social influences are particularly important in shaping adolescent behaviour. Supportive family environments, positive peer relationships, school connectedness, and community engagement have all been linked to reduced risk of early sexual initiation and pregnancy. However, there is limited empirical evidence from Ethiopia, particularly from urban settings—on how these social factors interact with resilience to influence adolescent reproductive outcomes.
This study aims to fill that gap by assessing the role of individual resilience and social influences in preventing adolescent pregnancies among high school girls in Addis Ababa. By identifying the key protective factors within adolescents’ social environments, the study seeks to inform the design of targeted interventions that enhance resilience and reduce the incidence of adolescent pregnancy.
2. Methods
2.1. Study Design and Setting
A school-based, cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted from March to June 2023 in Akaki Kality sub-city, one of the ten administrative districts of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Akaki Kality is a densely populated urban area with a mix of residential, industrial, and informal settlements. It encompasses several public high schools serving students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
2.2. Study Population and Eligibility
The study targeted female students aged 15-19 years enrolled in grades 9 to 12 in selected government high schools within the sub-city. This age group represents the critical developmental stage during which adolescents begin to make independent reproductive health decisions. Students who were absent on the day of data collection or unwilling to participate were excluded.
2.3. Sample Size Determination
The sample size was calculated using a single population proportion formula, assuming 50% prevalence of high resilience (due to a lack of prior data), a 95% confidence interval, and a 5% margin of error. After adjusting for a 10% non-response rate and applying a design effect of 2 for multistage sampling, the final sample size was determined to be 807. A total of 790 students completed the survey, yielding a response rate of 97.9%.
2.4. Sampling Procedure
A multistage random sampling technique was employed. First, four government high schools were selected randomly from the total list of schools in Akaki Kality. In each selected school, classes were stratified by grade level (grades 9-12), and students were proportionally sampled using simple random sampling within each stratum.
2.5. Data Collection Instrument
Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire adapted from the Adolescent Resilience Questionnaire (ARQ) developed by Gartland et al. The ARQ is a validated tool that measures resilience across six domains: individual traits, family connectedness, family availability, peer connectedness, school connectedness, and community connectedness. The questionnaire was translated into Amharic and back-translated into English to ensure semantic and conceptual accuracy. A pilot test was conducted on 5% of the sample in a non-participating school to assess clarity, reliability, and cultural appropriateness.
2.6. Data Collection Procedure
Trained female data collectors administered the survey in a private classroom setting to minimize social desirability bias. Teachers were not present during administration. Informed assent was obtained from students, and for those under 18 years, written parental consent was also secured. Confidentiality and voluntary participation were emphasized.
2.7. Data Management and Analysis
Data were entered using EpiData version 3.1 and analyzed with SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations) were used to summarize participant characteristics and resilience domain scores.
Bivariate logistic regression was performed to examine the association between independent variables (e.g., age, grade, parental occupation) and resilience status (high vs. low). Variables with a p-value <0.25 in bivariate analysis were included in the multivariate logistic regression model to control for potential confounders. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
2.8. Ethical Considerations
Ethical approval was obtained from the Addis Ababa Education Bureau Ethical Review Committee (Approval No. AAE/ERB/03/2023). Additional permissions were secured from each participating school. Written informed consent was obtained from participants aged 18 and above, and parental consent with student assent was obtained for minors. Participation was entirely voluntary, and anonymity and confidentiality were strictly maintained throughout the study.
3. Results
A total of 790 female students aged 15 to 19 years completed the survey, resulting in a high response rate of 97.9%. The mean age of respondents was 17.1 years (SD = 1.17). As shown in
Table 1, 51.9% of the participants were aged 15-17 years, while 48.1% were aged 18-19 years. The majority of respondents were enrolled in Grades 9 and 10, accounting for 36.7% and 34.2%, respectively. Orthodox Christianity was the dominant religion (76.1%), and 39.5% of the students reported that their fathers were government employees.
Table 1. Sociodemographic Characteristics of Respondents (N = 790).
Variable | Frequency (n) | Percentage (%) |
Age Group |
15-17 years | 410 | 51.9 |
18-19 years | 380 | 48.1 |
Grade Level |
Grade 9 | 290 | 36.7 |
Grade 10 | 270 | 34.2 |
Grade 11 | 130 | 16.5 |
Grade 12 | 100 | 12.6 |
Religion |
Orthodox | 601 | 76.1 |
Muslim | 89 | 11.3 |
Protestant | 78 | 9.9 |
Other | 22 | 2.8 |
Parental Occupation (Father) |
Government Employee | 312 | 39.5 |
Private Sector | 198 | 25.1 |
Daily Laborer | 180 | 22.8 |
Other | 100 | 12.6 |
Regarding resilience, the overall distribution was nearly balanced: 49.4% of participants demonstrated high resilience, while 50.6% exhibited low resilience.
Table 2 presents the distribution of resilience scores across the social domains. Family connectedness (53.2%) and family availability (53.5%) were reported as high by more than half of the participants. Peer connectedness was also relatively strong (52.3%), while peer availability was slightly lower at 49.1%. Notably, school connectedness was the highest-rated domain, with 58.1% reporting high connection to school, while the supportive school climate domain showed a modest level (50.2%). Community connectedness was the lowest-rated domain, with only 47.7% of respondents scoring high, indicating a relative gap in community-based support.
Table 2. Distribution of Resilience Scores Across Social Domains.
Resilience Domain | High Resilience (%) | Low Resilience (%) |
Family Connectedness | 53.2 | 46.8 |
Family Availability | 53.5 | 46.5 |
Peer Connectedness | 52.3 | 47.7 |
Peer Availability | 49.1 | 50.9 |
School Connectedness | 58.1 | 41.9 |
Supportive School Climate | 50.2 | 49.8 |
Community Connectedness | 47.7 | 52.3 |
Bivariate logistic regression analysis identified two significant factors associated with high social resilience. As indicated in
Table 3, adolescents aged 18-19 were significantly more likely to demonstrate high resilience compared to their younger counterparts aged 15-17 (COR = 1.38; 95% CI: 1.01-1.89;
p = 0.045). Additionally, students whose fathers were employed in government positions had higher odds of being resilient (COR = 1.56; 95% CI: 1.12-2.18;
p = 0.008). Grade level and religious affiliation were not statistically significant.
Table 3. Bivariate Analysis of Factors Associated with High Social Resilience.
Variable | COR (95% CI) | p-value |
Age (18-19) | 1.38 (1.01-1.89) | 0.045 |
Grade Level | 1.12 (0.89-1.42) | 0.321 |
Father’s Occupation (Gov’t) | 1.56 (1.12-2.18) | 0.008 |
Religion (Orthodox) | 1.04 (0.76-1.43) | 0.812 |
Variable | COR (95% CI) | p-value |
Age (18-19) | 1.38 (1.01-1.89) | 0.045 |
Grade Level | 1.12 (0.89-1.42) | 0.321 |
Multivariate logistic regression further confirmed these findings. As presented in
Table 4, being in the 18-19 age group remained significantly associated with high resilience (AOR = 1.42; 95% CI: 1.01-2.01;
p = 0.042). Likewise, having a father employed in a government position was independently associated with high social resilience (AOR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.13-2.30;
p = 0.007), even after adjusting for other covariates.
Table 4. Multivariate Logistic Regression of Predictors of High Social Resilience.
Variable | AOR (95% CI) | p-value |
Age (18-19) | 1.42 (1.01-2.01) | 0.042 |
Father’s Occupation (Gov’t) | 1.61 (1.13-2.30) | 0.007 |
In summary, older adolescent age and parental government employment were significant predictors of higher resilience among the study participants. Additionally, social domains such as family and school support emerged as strong contributors to adolescent resilience, while community connectedness lagged behind, suggesting a need for targeted community-level interventions.
4. Discussion
This study assessed the role of individual resilience and social influences in preventing adolescent pregnancy among high school girls in an urban Ethiopian setting. The findings demonstrate that both personal characteristics, such as age, and external social factors, especially family and school support, significantly contribute to higher resilience among adolescent girls.
The association between
older adolescent age (18-19 years) and higher resilience is consistent with previous research suggesting that resilience tends to strengthen with age and cognitive maturity. Older adolescents are generally more capable of self-regulation, abstract thinking, and future planning, which supports better decision-making related to reproductive health
| [6] | Mersha A, Erulkar A. Early marriage and reproductive health outcomes among adolescents in Ethiopia. Afr J Reprod Health. 2016; 20(4): 40-48. |
| [23] | Ungar M. Resilience across cultures. Br J Soc Work. 2008; 38(2): 218-235. |
[6, 23]
. These developmental capacities enable them to better navigate peer pressure and other social challenges related to early sexual initiation and pregnancy.
Family connectedness and availability, both reported at over 53% in this study, were among the strongest protective factors. This aligns with studies conducted in other Sub-Saharan African contexts and globally, which have consistently shown that emotionally supportive and present parents are associated with lower adolescent risk-taking behaviours, including early sexual activity
| [7] | Christiaens W, Henneman L, Janssens AC. Adolescent decision-making about health: Evidence from risk-taking behavior and peer influence. J Adolesc. 2012; 35(5): 1223-1231. |
| [8] | Resnick MD, Bearman PS, Blum RW, et al. Protecting adolescents from harm: Findings from the National Longitudinal Study on Adolescent Health. JAMA. 1997; 278(10): 823-832. |
| [9] | World Health Organization. Global Accelerated Action for the Health of Adolescents (AA-HA!): Guidance to support country implementation. Geneva: WHO; 2017. |
| [10] | Clark S, Bruce J, Dude A. Protecting young women from HIV/AIDS: The case against child and adolescent marriage. Int Fam Plan Perspect. 2006; 32(2): 79-88. |
| [11] | World Health Organization. Global Accelerated Action for the Health of Adolescents (AA-HA!): Guidance to support country implementation. Geneva: WHO; 2017. |
[7-11]
. Family relationships provide a stable reference point for adolescents, shaping their values and offering guidance that counters harmful external influences.
Peer connectedness (52.3%) also contributed positively to resilience. However, peer availability had a weaker effect (49.1%), suggesting that it is not merely the presence of peers, but the
quality of peer interactions, that shapes adolescent outcomes. This distinction echoes findings by Blum, who emphasized that positive peer support serves as a buffer against risky behaviors
| [12] | Astatke H, Temesgen K. Peer pressure and sexual risk-taking behavior among adolescents in Addis Ababa. Ethiop J Health Dev. 2014; 28(3): 192-198. |
| [13] | Van Ryzin MJ, Fosco GM, Dishion TJ. Family and peer predictors of substance use from early adolescence to early adulthood: An 11-year prospective analysis. Addict Behav. 2012; 37(12): 1314-1324. |
| [14] | Simons-Morton B, Farhat T. Recent findings on peer group influences on adolescent substance use. J Prim Prev. 2010; 31(4): 191-208. |
[12-14]
, while peer pressure from unstructured or delinquent groups can increase vulnerability to early pregnancy.
School connectedness, the highest-rated domain in this study (58.1%), reflects the powerful role that educational institutions can play in building adolescent resilience. This is supported by studies from South Africa and Ghana, which found that school engagement and perceived adult support in schools are associated with delayed sexual debut and greater contraceptive use
| [15] | Mmari K, Sabherwal S. A review of risk and protective factors for adolescent sexual and reproductive health in developing countries: An update. J Adolesc Health. 2013; 53(5): 562-572. |
| [16] | Hallfors DD, Cho H, Rusakaniko S, Mapfumo J, Iritani B, Halpern CT. Supporting adolescent orphan girls to stay in school as HIV risk prevention: Evidence from a randomized controlled trial in Zimbabwe. Am J Public Health. 2011; 101(6): 1082-1088. |
| [17] | Kirby D. The impact of abstinence and comprehensive sex and STD/HIV education programs on adolescent sexual behavior. Sex Res Soc Policy. 2008; 5(3): 18-27. |
| [18] | McNeely C, Falci C. School connectedness and the transition into and out of health-risk behavior among adolescents: A comparison of social belonging and teacher support. J Sch Health. 2004; 74(7): 284-292. |
| [19] | Shepherd J, Kavanagh J, Picot J, et al. The effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of behavioral interventions for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections in young people aged 13-19: A systematic review and economic evaluation. Health Technol Assess. 2010; 14(7): 1-206. |
| [20] | DiClemente RJ, Salazar LF, Crosby RA. A review of STD/HIV preventive interventions for adolescents: Sustaining effects using an ecological approach. J Pediatr Psychol. 2007; 32(8): 888-906. |
[15-20]
. Despite this, the moderate score for
supportive school climate (50.2%) indicates a gap in the depth or consistency of support perceived by students, highlighting the need for structured mentorship and counselling programs within schools
| [21] | Gavin LE, Catalano RF, David-Ferdon C, Gloppen KM, Markham CM. A review of positive youth development programs that promote adolescent sexual and reproductive health. J Adolesc Health. 2010; 46(3 Suppl): S75-S91. |
| [22] | Jessor R. Risk behavior in adolescence: A psychosocial framework for understanding and action. Dev Rev. 1992; 12(4): 374-390. |
[21, 22]
.
Conversely,
community connectedness was the weakest domain (47.7%), pointing to a critical lack of protective structures beyond the school and family environment
| [23] | Ungar M. Resilience across cultures. Br J Soc Work. 2008; 38(2): 218-235. |
| [24] | Govender K, Cowden RG, Asante KO, George G, Reardon C. The role of family contexts in shaping adolescent sexual risk behavior: A meta-ethnography. Health Psychol Rev. 2020; 14(2): 203-228. |
| [25] | Abajobir AA, Seme A. Reproductive health knowledge and behavior among adolescents in Addis Ababa. Afr J Reprod Health. 2012; 16(3): 157-164. |
| [26] | Taffa N, Haimanot R, Desalegn S, Tesfaye A. Do parents and young people communicate on sexual matters? Ethiop J Health Dev. 2002; 16(2): 107-116. |
| [27] | Jones RK, Boonstra H. Confidential reproductive health care for adolescents: A review. Guttmacher Policy Rev. 2004; 7(4): 4-9. |
| [28] | Bastien S, Kajula LJ, Muhwezi WW. A review of studies of parent-child communication about sexuality and HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. Reprod Health. 2011; 8: 25. |
[23-28]
. This result is consistent with previous research indicating that urban adolescents, particularly in low-income neighbourhoods, often lack access to community-based programs that foster inclusion and guidance
| [29] | Govender K, Cowden RG, Asante KO, George G, Reardon C. The role of family contexts in shaping adolescent sexual risk behavior: A meta-ethnography. Health Psychol Rev. 2020; 14(2): 203-228. |
[29]
. The absence of youth centres, safe recreational spaces, or community role models may undermine adolescents’ ability to access support beyond their immediate circles.
The significant association between
paternal employment in government sectors and high resilience may reflect greater socioeconomic stability and access to information, networks, or values that promote adolescent well-being. Previous studies have shown that parental employment in the formal sector is correlated with better health and educational outcomes for children, due to improved access to healthcare, exposure to formal structures, and modelling of responsible behavior
| [30] | Case A, Paxson C. Parental behavior and child health. Health Aff. 2002; 21(2): 164-178. |
| [31] | Tenkorang EY, Owusu GA. Correlates of reproductive health decisions among Ghanaian youth. Afr J Reprod Health. 2013; 17(2): 51-66. |
| [32] | Lloyd CB. Education and fertility in developing countries. Policy Research Division Working Paper No. 104. Population Council; 2003. |
| [33] | World Bank. Voice and agency: Empowering women and girls for shared prosperity. Washington, DC: World Bank Group; 2014. |
[30-33]
.
Overall, the findings underscore the multidimensional nature of resilience, highlighting the need for integrated interventions that strengthen interpersonal relationships and create enabling environments in families, schools, and communities. These interventions should not only target knowledge and behaviour but also address the social ecology in which adolescent girls live and grow.
5. Conclusion and Recommendations
The study demonstrated that resilience among adolescent girls is significantly influenced by family, peer, school, and community support. Strengthening these social environments can effectively prevent early pregnancies. Interventions aiming at reducing adolescent pregnancy should integrate strategies that foster strong interpersonal relationships and provide psychosocial support. Policymakers should support school-based programs and community engagement efforts aimed at enhancing adolescent resilience.
Abbreviations
ARQ | Adolescent Resilience Questionnaire |
AOR | Adjusted Odds Ratio |
COR | Crude Odds Ratio |
CI | Confidence Interval |
EDHS | Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey |
SPSS | Statistical Package for the Social Sciences |
SD | Standard Deviation |
WHO | World Health Organization |
CSA | Central Statistical Agency |
ICPD | International Conference on Population and Development |
HIV/AIDS | Human Immunodeficiency Virus / Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome |
JAMA | Journal of the American Medical Association |
BMC | BioMed Central |
ORCID | Open Researcher and Contributor ID |
Acknowledgments
The authors express gratitude to the school administrations, students, and data collectors who made this study possible. Special thanks to the Addis Ababa Education Bureau for facilitating access and ethical clearance.
Author Contributions
Fisseha Berehe Aberha: Conceptualization, Funding acquisition, Project administration, Writing - original draft
Gloria Thupayagale-tshweneagae: Supervision, Writing - review & editing
Faniswa Honest: Data curation, Methodology, Writing - review & editing
Tefera Tezera: Data curation, Formal Analysis, Methodology, Software
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
References
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Sawyer SM, Azzopardi PS, Wickremarathne D, Patton GC. The age of adolescence. Lancet Child Adolesc Health. 2018; 2(3): 223-228.
|
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Patton GC, Sawyer SM, Santelli JS, et al. Our future: A Lancet commission on adolescent health and wellbeing. Lancet. 2016; 387(10036): 2423-2478.
|
| [3] |
Yakubu I, Salisu WJ. Determinants of adolescent pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review. Reprod Health. 2018; 15(1): 15.
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| [4] |
Masten AS. Ordinary magic: Resilience processes in development. Am Psychol. 2001; 56(3): 227-238.
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Chandra-Mouli V, Ferguson BJ, Plesons M, et al. The political, research, programmatic and social responses to adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights in the 25 years since ICPD. J Adolesc Health. 2019; 65(6 Suppl): S16-S40.
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Mersha A, Erulkar A. Early marriage and reproductive health outcomes among adolescents in Ethiopia. Afr J Reprod Health. 2016; 20(4): 40-48.
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Christiaens W, Henneman L, Janssens AC. Adolescent decision-making about health: Evidence from risk-taking behavior and peer influence. J Adolesc. 2012; 35(5): 1223-1231.
|
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Resnick MD, Bearman PS, Blum RW, et al. Protecting adolescents from harm: Findings from the National Longitudinal Study on Adolescent Health. JAMA. 1997; 278(10): 823-832.
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World Health Organization. Global Accelerated Action for the Health of Adolescents (AA-HA!): Guidance to support country implementation. Geneva: WHO; 2017.
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Clark S, Bruce J, Dude A. Protecting young women from HIV/AIDS: The case against child and adolescent marriage. Int Fam Plan Perspect. 2006; 32(2): 79-88.
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World Health Organization. Global Accelerated Action for the Health of Adolescents (AA-HA!): Guidance to support country implementation. Geneva: WHO; 2017.
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Astatke H, Temesgen K. Peer pressure and sexual risk-taking behavior among adolescents in Addis Ababa. Ethiop J Health Dev. 2014; 28(3): 192-198.
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Van Ryzin MJ, Fosco GM, Dishion TJ. Family and peer predictors of substance use from early adolescence to early adulthood: An 11-year prospective analysis. Addict Behav. 2012; 37(12): 1314-1324.
|
| [14] |
Simons-Morton B, Farhat T. Recent findings on peer group influences on adolescent substance use. J Prim Prev. 2010; 31(4): 191-208.
|
| [15] |
Mmari K, Sabherwal S. A review of risk and protective factors for adolescent sexual and reproductive health in developing countries: An update. J Adolesc Health. 2013; 53(5): 562-572.
|
| [16] |
Hallfors DD, Cho H, Rusakaniko S, Mapfumo J, Iritani B, Halpern CT. Supporting adolescent orphan girls to stay in school as HIV risk prevention: Evidence from a randomized controlled trial in Zimbabwe. Am J Public Health. 2011; 101(6): 1082-1088.
|
| [17] |
Kirby D. The impact of abstinence and comprehensive sex and STD/HIV education programs on adolescent sexual behavior. Sex Res Soc Policy. 2008; 5(3): 18-27.
|
| [18] |
McNeely C, Falci C. School connectedness and the transition into and out of health-risk behavior among adolescents: A comparison of social belonging and teacher support. J Sch Health. 2004; 74(7): 284-292.
|
| [19] |
Shepherd J, Kavanagh J, Picot J, et al. The effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of behavioral interventions for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections in young people aged 13-19: A systematic review and economic evaluation. Health Technol Assess. 2010; 14(7): 1-206.
|
| [20] |
DiClemente RJ, Salazar LF, Crosby RA. A review of STD/HIV preventive interventions for adolescents: Sustaining effects using an ecological approach. J Pediatr Psychol. 2007; 32(8): 888-906.
|
| [21] |
Gavin LE, Catalano RF, David-Ferdon C, Gloppen KM, Markham CM. A review of positive youth development programs that promote adolescent sexual and reproductive health. J Adolesc Health. 2010; 46(3 Suppl): S75-S91.
|
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Jessor R. Risk behavior in adolescence: A psychosocial framework for understanding and action. Dev Rev. 1992; 12(4): 374-390.
|
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Ungar M. Resilience across cultures. Br J Soc Work. 2008; 38(2): 218-235.
|
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Govender K, Cowden RG, Asante KO, George G, Reardon C. The role of family contexts in shaping adolescent sexual risk behavior: A meta-ethnography. Health Psychol Rev. 2020; 14(2): 203-228.
|
| [25] |
Abajobir AA, Seme A. Reproductive health knowledge and behavior among adolescents in Addis Ababa. Afr J Reprod Health. 2012; 16(3): 157-164.
|
| [26] |
Taffa N, Haimanot R, Desalegn S, Tesfaye A. Do parents and young people communicate on sexual matters? Ethiop J Health Dev. 2002; 16(2): 107-116.
|
| [27] |
Jones RK, Boonstra H. Confidential reproductive health care for adolescents: A review. Guttmacher Policy Rev. 2004; 7(4): 4-9.
|
| [28] |
Bastien S, Kajula LJ, Muhwezi WW. A review of studies of parent-child communication about sexuality and HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. Reprod Health. 2011; 8: 25.
|
| [29] |
Govender K, Cowden RG, Asante KO, George G, Reardon C. The role of family contexts in shaping adolescent sexual risk behavior: A meta-ethnography. Health Psychol Rev. 2020; 14(2): 203-228.
|
| [30] |
Case A, Paxson C. Parental behavior and child health. Health Aff. 2002; 21(2): 164-178.
|
| [31] |
Tenkorang EY, Owusu GA. Correlates of reproductive health decisions among Ghanaian youth. Afr J Reprod Health. 2013; 17(2): 51-66.
|
| [32] |
Lloyd CB. Education and fertility in developing countries. Policy Research Division Working Paper No. 104. Population Council; 2003.
|
| [33] |
World Bank. Voice and agency: Empowering women and girls for shared prosperity. Washington, DC: World Bank Group; 2014.
|
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APA Style
Aberha, F. B., Thupayagale-tshweneagae, G., Honest, F., Tezera, T. (2025). Resilience and Social Influences on Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. World Journal of Public Health, 10(3), 360-365. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjph.20251003.26
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Aberha, F. B.; Thupayagale-tshweneagae, G.; Honest, F.; Tezera, T. Resilience and Social Influences on Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. World J. Public Health 2025, 10(3), 360-365. doi: 10.11648/j.wjph.20251003.26
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Aberha FB, Thupayagale-tshweneagae G, Honest F, Tezera T. Resilience and Social Influences on Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. World J Public Health. 2025;10(3):360-365. doi: 10.11648/j.wjph.20251003.26
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-
@article{10.11648/j.wjph.20251003.26,
author = {Fisseha Berehe Aberha and Gloria Thupayagale-tshweneagae and Faniswa Honest and Tefera Tezera},
title = {Resilience and Social Influences on Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
},
journal = {World Journal of Public Health},
volume = {10},
number = {3},
pages = {360-365},
doi = {10.11648/j.wjph.20251003.26},
url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjph.20251003.26},
eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.wjph.20251003.26},
abstract = {Adolescent pregnancy poses significant health and socio-economic challenges globally, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. In Ethiopia, early pregnancy is closely linked to school dropout, health risks, and long-term poverty. This study aimed to examine how resilience and social influences, including family, peer, school, and community support, affect the prevention of adolescent pregnancies among high school girls in Addis Ababa. A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among 790 female students aged 15-19 in government high schools in Akaki Kality sub-city using the Adolescent Resilience Questionnaire (ARQ). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression with SPSS version 25. Results showed that 49.4% of respondents had high resilience, which was positively associated with family connectedness (53.2%), family availability (53.5%), peer connectedness (52.3%), and school connectedness (58.1%). Adolescents aged 18-19 were significantly more likely to exhibit high resilience than those aged 15-17 (AOR = 1.42; 95% CI: 1.01-2.01; p = 0.042), and having a father employed in the government sector also predicted higher resilience (AOR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.13-2.30; p = 0.007). These findings suggest that resilience among adolescent girls is strongly shaped by their social environments, particularly family and school connections. Strengthening these protective domains through school-based psychosocial interventions and community engagement may reduce adolescent pregnancy risk, emphasizing the need for targeted programs that build resilience and supportive networks for urban youth in Ethiopia and similar contexts.},
year = {2025}
}
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Resilience and Social Influences on Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
AU - Fisseha Berehe Aberha
AU - Gloria Thupayagale-tshweneagae
AU - Faniswa Honest
AU - Tefera Tezera
Y1 - 2025/08/19
PY - 2025
N1 - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjph.20251003.26
DO - 10.11648/j.wjph.20251003.26
T2 - World Journal of Public Health
JF - World Journal of Public Health
JO - World Journal of Public Health
SP - 360
EP - 365
PB - Science Publishing Group
SN - 2637-6059
UR - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjph.20251003.26
AB - Adolescent pregnancy poses significant health and socio-economic challenges globally, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. In Ethiopia, early pregnancy is closely linked to school dropout, health risks, and long-term poverty. This study aimed to examine how resilience and social influences, including family, peer, school, and community support, affect the prevention of adolescent pregnancies among high school girls in Addis Ababa. A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among 790 female students aged 15-19 in government high schools in Akaki Kality sub-city using the Adolescent Resilience Questionnaire (ARQ). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression with SPSS version 25. Results showed that 49.4% of respondents had high resilience, which was positively associated with family connectedness (53.2%), family availability (53.5%), peer connectedness (52.3%), and school connectedness (58.1%). Adolescents aged 18-19 were significantly more likely to exhibit high resilience than those aged 15-17 (AOR = 1.42; 95% CI: 1.01-2.01; p = 0.042), and having a father employed in the government sector also predicted higher resilience (AOR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.13-2.30; p = 0.007). These findings suggest that resilience among adolescent girls is strongly shaped by their social environments, particularly family and school connections. Strengthening these protective domains through school-based psychosocial interventions and community engagement may reduce adolescent pregnancy risk, emphasizing the need for targeted programs that build resilience and supportive networks for urban youth in Ethiopia and similar contexts.
VL - 10
IS - 3
ER -
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