A STUDY OFSOCIODEMOGRAPHIC, CULTURAL, ECONOMIC AND PSYCHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICSASSOCIATED WITHADOLESCENT PREGNANCYFROM TEA GARDEN COMMUNITY OF SIVASAGAR, ASSAM:CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY

Introduction: The World Health Organization (W.H.O), defines adolescence as the period of life between 10 to 19 years (1). Early marriage a hidden, yet known practice in several regions of the world has been a major public health threat where the girl experiences number of health, social, economic, and emotional problems in the form of adolescent pregnancy, synonymously termed teenage pregnancy.

Methodology: A descriptive community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in a tea garden community of Sivsagar district from February 2020 to May 2020. Sample size was estimated at 282. Data was collected using pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire. Variables like socio-demographic characteristics, income of the participant and family members, family size and school drop-out reason were analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results and Discussion: In the present study, out of total of 330 eligible participants selected randomly from 12 Tea estates of Sivasagar district, 15.45 % of them were under the age group of 11-16 years and 84.55% belonged from 17-19 years. 82 % were from Other Backward Class, while rest only 18 %. The mental health status shows that out of 330 participants, 41, 91 and 8 had “extremely severe” signs of depression, anxiety and stress respectively.

Conclusion: This study reflects adolescent pregnancy as a threat to society and demands a thorough exploration. Despite government schemes and legislations, it continues to be prevalent in community.