Abstract:
Background: Despite the efforts, the rates of adolescent pregnancy are still high in Tanzania.
After the first pregnancy adolescent mothers are more at risk of repeat conception within two
years. Repeated pregnancies are associated with an increasing maternal and perinatal outcomes.
Katavi is a leading region in the country with 45% adolescent pregnancy. There is a scarcity of
studies, on factors influencing repeated pregnancy among unmarried adolescent mothers in the
region.
Aim: This study explored factors influencing repeated pregnancy among unmarried pregnancy
mothers at Mamba health center in Katavi region
Methodology: An exploratory study adopting qualitative approach was used. The study was
conducted at Mamba health centre in Mlele district - Katavi Region. Purposive sampling
was used to sample the study participants. Sixteen respondents were interviewed. Thematic
analysis was done to analyze qualitative data. QSR Nvivo version 14 was used to analyze these
data.
Results: The study established individual factors influencing repeated pregnancy which were
inadequate sexuality knowledge, individual perceived barriers on contraceptive use, and
guarantee for marriage. Furthermore, the social factors identified were power of decision
making, peer pressure, and parent-child relationship. The study also identified structural factors
influencing repeated pregnancy among unmarried adolescent girls; these included family
problems and unfriendly health facilities environments.
Conclusion: Inadequate sexuality education is observed as the crucial factor influencing
repeated pregnancy. Parents as primary educators should be encouraged to talk with their
children especially adolescent girls about sexuality education. Also, health care workers should
make friendly environment for adolescents seeking reproductive services including family
planning by ensuring privacy and confidentiality
