Exploring the Socio-Cultural Factors Behind the Early Marriage and Pregnancy Cases in Eastern India: A Qualitative Study

Introduction: Adolescent pregnancy, defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as pregnancies between 10–19 years, poses significant health risks, particularly in Lower Middle-Income Countries (LMIC). Early pregnancies are associated with various complications, including preterm labor and perinatal deaths. In India, despite a decline in the percentage of teenage pregnancies, absolute figures remain high, impacting a substantial portion of the population. Our study aims to explore the sociocultural factors among others which led to teenage pregnancies. Methods This qualitative study, conducted in the OBG and Pediatrics departments of ESIC Medical College & Hospital, Joka, aimed to explore socio-cultural factors contributing to early and teenage pregnancies. One-to-one in-depth interviews were conducted with 27 teenage and early-aged pregnant women, focusing on demographic, socio-cultural, and awareness factors. Thematic analysis was employed for qualitative data. Results The study identified three major themes: Demographic factors, Socio-cultural factors, and Awareness of Reproductive & Child Health. Lack of education, financial constraints, and familial expectations emerged as primary drivers. Family pressure and cultural norms promoted early conception after marriage. Despite awareness, contraception use was low, and pregnancies were often unplanned. Conclusion Addressing early pregnancies requires a multifaceted approach involving basic education, awareness campaigns, and economic empowerment. Prioritizing higher education for girls, dispelling cultural norms, and promoting contraceptive use are essential. Government schemes supporting women's empowerment and discouraging teenage pregnancies play a crucial role. Comprehensive measures, including sex education, and stringent laws against early marriages, are vital for reducing the societal burden of early and teenage pregnancies.