Laos, a Southeast Asian nation, grapples with the highest rate of adolescent pregnancies in the region. New research sheds light on the previously unclear factors contributing to this alarming trend, pinpointing child marriages as a primary catalyst.
A recent study titled “Understanding diverse pathways to adolescent pregnancy in Lao People’s Democratic Republic,” published in PLOS Global Public Health, delves into the multifaceted reasons behind the prevalent issue. The research uncovers a complex web of factors, including societal acceptance of child marriages, insufficient sexual health knowledge, power imbalances in relationships, forced sex fueled by alcohol use, and the limited agency of young girls.
The study highlights that within Laotian society, young marriages are often seen as a socially acceptable response to adolescent pregnancies outside of wedlock. For many girls, marriage becomes a perceived alternative to pursuing education. Furthermore, once married, couples face societal pressure to prove their fertility.
A significant revelation from interviews conducted as part of the study is that many girls consider sexual health information as relevant “only for married people.” The lack of reproductive health education before marriage or childbirth contributes to a knowledge gap among adolescent girls.
Dr. Marie Habito, a Senior Research Officer at the Burnet Institute, emphasized the importance of understanding the contextual factors leading to adolescent pregnancies to inform more effective policymaking. She stated that giving adolescents the space to voice their needs and share their experiences is crucial for developing programs that address their concerns.
The study also underscores the influence of male partners in reproductive decision-making, including decisions about contraceptive use. Condom use is often deemed inappropriate after marriage, with husbands associating condoms with sexually transmitted infections and marital infidelity.
The research reveals that many girls’ initial sexual experiences occur under the influence of alcohol or with assurances from the male partner to take responsibility for potential pregnancies through marriage.
Dr. Habito draws attention to the need for comprehensive sexual education accessible to all adolescents. Additionally, addressing harmful substance use, particularly alcohol, and developing programs that respond to the socio-cultural and financial drivers of child marriage and early union are identified as essential steps in combating the issue. The study emphasizes the urgency of creating strategies that encompass the diverse and interconnected aspects contributing to high adolescent pregnancy rates in Laos.
