Adolescent pregnancy in Mongolia: Evidence from Mongolia Social Indicator Sample Survey 2013–2018

INTRODUCTION: Adolescent pregnancy is a major public health and social concern which pose enormous pregnancy and delivery-related risks for both the mother and their neonate. This study aims to estimate adolescent pregnancy and determine the factors associated with adolescent pregnancy in Mongolia. METHODS: This study pooled data from 2013 and 2018 Mongolia, Social Indicator Sample Surveys (MSISS). A total of 2808 adolescent girls aged 15–19 years with socio-demographic information were included in this study. Adolescent pregnancy is defined as pregnancy in a female 19 years of age or younger. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors associated with adolescent pregnancy in Mongolia. RESULTS: Adolescent pregnancy was estimated at 57.62 [95% Confidence Interval (CI): 44.41, 70.84] per 1000 adolescent girls aged 15–19 years. Multivariable analyses reported higher adolescent pregnancy in the countryside [Adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR) = 2.07 (95%CI: 1.08, 3.96)], with increasing age [AOR = 11.50 (95%CI: 6.64, 19.92)], among adolescent girls who used contraception methods [AOR = 10.80 (95%CI: 6.34, 18.40)], among adolescent girls from the poorest households [AOR = 3.32 (95%CI: 1.39, 7.93)], and among adolescent girls who drank alcohol [AOR = 2.10 (95%CI: 1.22, 3.62)]. DISCUSSION: Identifying the factors associated with adolescent pregnancy is crucial in reducing adolescent pregnancy and improving the sexual and reproductive health as well as the social and economic well-being of adolescents thus setting Mongolia on the path to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 by 2030.