TITLE:
Risk Factors Influencing Unintended Pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Infections among Adolescents and Young Adults in Douala IV Municipality
AUTHORS:
Christina Mbongueh Mohnchimbare, Alphonse Bertin Dihewou Fankep, Henri Lucien Fouamno Kamga
KEYWORDS:
Unintended Pregnancy, Sexually Transmitted Infections, Adolescents, Douala
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.13 No.11,
November
11,
2025
ABSTRACT: Unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) represent major public health concerns among adolescents and young adults in sub-Saharan Africa. This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence of unintended pregnancy and identified associated risk factors influencing STI transmission among adolescents and young adults in Douala IV municipality, Cameroon. A structured questionnaire was administered to 400 participants aged 15 - 24 years, selected through stratified random sampling from schools, communities, and health facilities. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. The prevalence of unintended pregnancy was found to be 31.7%, with significantly higher rates among females aged 20 - 24, those out of school, and those with low contraceptive knowledge. Additionally, 45.5% of respondents reported a history of at least one STI symptom. Key risk factors included early sexual debut, multiple sexual partners, inconsistent condom use, alcohol consumption, and low parental communication. Findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive sexuality education and youth-friendly health services.