Adolescent Parenting: Global Perspective, Local Action

Abstract

In recent decades, a significant decrease in the rates of teen pregnancy has been observed worldwide. Though the decline is significant, teen pregnancy continues to account for more than 10% of births globally [1]. Furthermore, the vast majority of these births to adolescent parents occur in nations of low or middle income [2]. Sub-Saharan Africa and Mexico are found to have the highest rates of adolescent births. Amongst wealthier nations, the United States has the highest rates of live births by teen mothers [1, 3]. Teen pregnancy rates are influenced by a trifecta of social, cultural, and economic circumstances and rates may vary widely across socio-economic groups within countries. Regardless of cultural expectations there are many implications of becoming a teen parent. This paper seeks to review adolescent pregnancy and parenting from a global perspective and highlight the importance of an interdisciplinary approach when addressing teen parenting and its manifestations and predictors.