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Understanding and supporting pregnant and parenting adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa

Guest Editors: Doctor Caroline Kabiru, Doctor Anthony Ajayi and Doctor Lorretta Ntoimo

Adolescent childbearing is common in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa. Early childbearing places girls on a trajectory of social exclusion with significant implications for their health and wellbeing and that of their offspring. Beyond the health risks associated with early childbearing, girls who become pregnant often drop out of school, with dire socio-economic implications. Their children also face marginalization because of their parents’ limited resources to care for them, resulting in their vulnerability to early and unintended pregnancy, disempowerment, and lack of economic mobility. 

All articles have undergone the journals full standard peer-review process and have been published upon acceptance. More information about the series and the journal, including full aims & scope and Editorial Board, can be found on the journal website. 


  1. Girls’ and women’s health as well as social and economic wellbeing are often negatively impacted by early childbearing. In many parts of Africa, adolescent girls who get pregnant often drop out of school, resu...

    Authors: Caroline W. Kabiru, Alister Munthali, Nathalie Sawadogo, Anthony Idowu Ajayi, Catherine Asego, Patrick G. Ilboudo, Anne M. Khisa, Grace Kimemia, Beatrice Maina, Jane Mangwana, Michelle Mbuthia, Ramatou Ouedraogo, Chrissie Thakwalakwa, David Wanambwa, Alexandra Tapsoba and Witness Olex Tapani Alfonso
    Citation: Reproductive Health 2023 20:166
    Content type: Study Protocol Published on:

  2. Adolescent sexual and reproductive health remains a major public health and development issue of global importance. Given that adolescents and young people are heterogenous groups in terms of many characterist...

    Authors: Sunday A. Adedini and Olusola A. Omisakin
    Citation: Reproductive Health 2023 20:115
    Content type: Research Published on:

  3. Pregnancy and childbearing in adolescence could negatively affect girls’ health and socio-economic wellbeing across the life course. Previous studies on drivers of adolescent pregnancy in Africa have not fully...

    Authors: Elita Chamdimba, Caroline W. Kabiru, Boniface Ayanbekongshie Ushie, Alister Munthali, Chrissie Thakwalakwa and Anthony Idowu Ajayi
    Citation: Reproductive Health 2023 20:114
    Content type: Research Published on:

  4. Previous studies have not synthesized existing literature on the lived experiences of pregnant and parenting adolescents (aged 10–19) in Africa. Such evidence synthesis is needed to inform policies, programs, ...

    Authors: Anthony Idowu Ajayi, Sherine Athero, Winstoun Muga and Caroline W. Kabiru
    Citation: Reproductive Health 2023 20:113
    Content type: Research Published on:

  5. Adolescent maternal healthcare utilisation is low in Nigeria, and little is understood about the pregnancy experiences and drivers of maternal healthcare utilisation among of adolescent girls. This study inves...

    Authors: Christiana A. Alex-Ojei, Clifford O. Odimegwu and Lorretta F. C. Ntoimo
    Citation: Reproductive Health 2023 20:77
    Content type: Research Published on:

  6. It is estimated that 38.8% of mothers develop postpartum depression (PPD) in South Africa. While empirical evidence documents an association between intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization in pregnancy a...

    Authors: Luwam T. Gebrekristos, Allison K. Groves, Luz McNaughton Reyes, Dhayendre Moodley, Mags Beksinska and Suzanne Maman
    Citation: Reproductive Health 2023 20:68
    Content type: Research Published on:

  7. Despite efforts from the government and developmental partners to eliminate gender-based violence, intimate partner violence (IPV) remains a pervasive global health and human rights problem, affecting up to 75...

    Authors: Juliet Amarachukwu Nwafor, Elita Chamdimba, Anthony Idowu Ajayi, Boniface Ayanbekongshie Ushie, Alister C. Munthali, Chrissie Thakwalakwa and Caroline W. Kabiru
    Citation: Reproductive Health 2023 20:60
    Content type: Research Published on:

  8. Pregnant and parenting adolescent girls are at risk of poor mental health because of stigma and social exclusion. Despite one in four girls starting childbearing by the age of 19 in Africa, no study, to the be...

    Authors: Anthony Idowu Ajayi, Elita Chamdimba, Nathalie Sawadogo, Nyawira Gitahi, Abdoul Moumini Tarnagda, Abdoul Kader Ilboudo, Alister Munthali, Chrissie Thakwalakwa, Emmanuel Oloche Otukpa, Boniface Ayanbekongshie Ushie and Caroline W. Kabiru
    Citation: Reproductive Health 2023 20:38
    Content type: Research Published on:

  9. An understanding of the psychosocial support challenges and opportunities in the context of teenage pregnancy is important for developing appropriate interventions for pregnant and parenting girls. This qualit...

    Authors: Chi-Chi Undie and Harriet Birungi
    Citation: Reproductive Health 2022 19:228
    Content type: Research Published on: