Gender role beliefs and adolescent pregnancy in Colombia: findings from the 2015 DHS survey

Abstract

This study investigated the association between gender role beliefs and the prevalence and likelihood of experiencing pregnancy among 8525 young women and girls aged 13–19 years in Colombia. The primary outcome of interest was adolescent pregnancy. Retrospective cross-sectional analysis utilised data from the 2015 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) in Colombia, which included an add-on questionnaire on gender relations. Our analysis measured both pregnancy prevalence and pregnancy likelihood in relation to gender role beliefs. With one exception, young women who disagreed with traditionally conforming gender roles had a lower prevalence of pregnancy and were less likely to experience pregnancy than those who agreed with them. The highest likelihood of pregnancy prevalence and likelihood was found among those who agreed with statements suggesting male dominance and those who agreed with women’s homemaking responsibilities. The greater the adherence to traditionally conforming gender role beliefs, the higher the likelihood of experiencing pregnancy during adolescence. Girls’ and young women’s adherence to traditional gender role beliefs appeared to be a risk factor for adolescent pregnancy. Our findings support Colombia’s current sex education policies and practices within the framework of gender equity, and evidence the link between gender equity and girls’ and young women’s reproductive health.