School of Technology and Social Sciences Research Collection

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    Investigating the Socio-Cultural and Economic Factors influencing Adolesecent Pregnancy in Kafue, Zambia: A Case of Zambia Compound (ZC)
    (University of Lusaka, 2025) BANDA, Annie Samara
    This study investigated the socio-cultural and economic factors influencing adolescent pregnancy in Zambia Compound, Kafue, where high rates persist despite various intervention efforts. The study aimed to examine cultural norms' influence on adolescent sexual behaviour, assess economic conditions' effect on pregnancy rates, evaluate peer pressure's role, and analyse healthcare service accessibility. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study used questionnaires with 344 adolescents and conducted interviews with parents/guardians, community leaders, and healthcare providers. Descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analyses were utilized alongside thematic analysis of qualitative data. Findings revealed significant correlations between cultural norms and adolescent pregnancy (r = .524, p < .01), with traditional practices particularly influential (mean=3.05, SD=1.436). Economic factors strongly predicted pregnancy risk (β = .342, p < .001), while poverty increased vulnerability (mean=2.99, SD=1.402). Peer pressure significantly affected sexual behaviour (r = .463, p < .01), especially through social media (mean=3.02, SD=1.419). Healthcare accessibility showed negative correlation with pregnancy rates (r = -.442, p < .01), with privacy concerns (mean=2.92, SD=1.484) hindering utilization. Parents reported cultural taboos preventing open discussion of sexuality and fear of community judgment. Community leaders highlighted how poverty forces transactional relationships and early marriages. Healthcare providers identified inadequate privacy, limited operating hours, and insufficient youth-friendly spaces as key service delivery challenges. The study recommends developing culturally sensitive reproductive health programs, implementing youth economic empowerment initiatives, establishing comprehensive peer education programs, and creating youth-friendly healthcare spaces ensuring privacy and confidentiality. Keywords: cultural norms, adolescent sexual behaviour, assess economic conditions, pregnancy rates, peer pressure, and healthcare service accessibility and utilisation