Adolescent pregnancy estimates, spatial distribution, and policy implications in the Volta Region, Ghana, 2019–2023

Adolescent pregnancies remain high in Ghana despite the implementation of policies and programs to reduce cases. However, there is limited evidence on the epidemiology of adolescent pregnancies, particularly in the Volta Region. To address this gap, we determined the incidence and distribution of adolescent pregnancies in the Volta Region to provide critical insights to inform targeted interventions and policy improvements. We extracted pregnancy data in the Volta Region from the District Health Information Management System II (DHIMS-II) for the period 2019 to 2023. The incidence of adolescent pregnancy was determined by dividing the number of pregnant adolescents by the total female adolescent population per 1,000. Descriptive statistics were performed by person, place and time, and the results were presented in tables, graphs and maps. Of the 217,813 pregnancies reported by health facilities, 13.5% (29,487/217,813) were adolescent pregnancies. The average incidence of adolescent pregnancies was 14.8 per 1,000 [95% CI 14.5–15.2], with the highest, 142 per 1,000 [95% CI 141–144] among those aged 15–19 years. The incidence was higher in 2021, 16.7 per 1,000. The Central Tongu District recorded a notably high rate of adolescent pregnancies, 175 per 1,000. This study highlights a high incidence of adolescent pregnancies, particularly among older adolescents in the Volta Region with geographical disparities. The Regional Health Directorate and adolescent development stakeholders should implement targeted interventions in high-rate districts. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of ongoing adolescent health interventions and explain inter-district disparities in the incidence of adolescent pregnancies.