A recent large-scale study from Zambia shows that combining financial support, sexuality education, and community dialogue can lead to a moderate reduction in early pregnancies. Nonetheless, the effects were short-lived. This highlights the need for longer-term efforts to keep girls in school. It is also essential to reduce adolescent pregnancies in low- and middle-income countries.
Published in eClinicalmedicine, the study examines the impact of these interventions on young girls in rural Zambia.
THE STUDY AND ITS FINDINGS
The randomized trial involved 5,000 girls in 157 rural schools in Zambia. They were about to finish primary school. The average age of the participants was 14. The schools were split into three groups:
- One group received economic support alone.
- Another received both economic support and comprehensive sexuality education, along with community dialogue meetings.
- The third group served as a control group.
The study tracked the girls for 4.5 years. The results showed that while the interventions led to a reduction in pregnancies during the support period, the effect did not last. This change happened once the financial aid ended.
CHALLENGES WITH SHORT-TERM FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Despite positive outcomes during the intervention period, the study revealed that the financial support was insufficient to produce long-term reductions in adolescent pregnancies. Many families could not afford school fees once the aid ended. Most girls were still at high risk of pregnancy at the age of 16.
Experts suggest that the short duration of the financial aid program limited its potential impact. The study authors believe the results might have been different if support continued until girls completed secondary school or turned 18. More girls might have delayed pregnancy.
THE ROLE OF EDUCATION IN DELAYING PREGNANCIES
Research consistently shows that girls who stay in school are less to get pregnant at an early age. Comprehensive sexuality education is also crucial in helping girls understand reproductive health and make informed decisions. Nevertheless, education alone is not be enough without tackling broader social and financial barriers.
The Zambia study found that the combination of sexuality education and financial support resulted in more girls completing junior secondary school. Yet, the effects on adolescent pregnancies were not as significant as hoped. This underlines the need for more comprehensive, long-term strategies.
BEYOND FINANCIAL SUPPORT: A HOLISTIC APPROACH NEEDED
The study’s authors argue that more sustainable, long-term initiatives are necessary to reduce adolescent pregnancies. Some key recommendations include:
- Longer-term financial support to help families afford school fees.
- Improved access to health services and contraceptives for young people.
- Increased focus on removing social pressures that encourage early pregnancies.
Professor Ingvild Sandøy from the University of Bergen emphasizes the need for broader initiatives to significantly reduce teenage pregnancies in low- and middle-income countries. Cash transfers are effective only in the short term.
ZAMBIA’S PROGRESS AND FUTURE STEPS
Zambia’s recent removal of secondary school fees is seen as a positive step towards keeping girls in school longer and potentially reducing early pregnancies. According to Professor Patrick Musonda from the University of Zambia, this initiative will likely help many young girls stay in school and delay pregnancy. However, the study suggests that without continued support and structural changes, the impact may still be limited.
