Early Adolescent Pregnancy Among Muslim Girls in Lanao del Sur, Philippines: A Qualitative Study of Socio-Demographic and Health-Related Factors

Abstract

Background: Early adolescent pregnancy remains a critical public health and social concern, particularly in culturally distinct and resource-limited settings. In predominantly Muslim communities in Lanao del Sur, Philippines, early pregnancy is shaped by complex socio-demographic, cultural, and health-related factors that remain underexplored in empirical literature. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the socio-demographic and health-related factors influencing early adolescent pregnancy among Muslim girls in Lanao del Sur, and to understand how these factors shape their lived experiences and health outcomes. Methods: A qualitative phenomenological design was employed. The study included sixteen (16) participants: ten (10) Muslim adolescent girls aged 13–17 years who had experienced or were currently experiencing pregnancy, and six (6) key informants (physician, midwife, nurse, barangay health worker, religious leader, and women’s advocate). The sampling frame consisted of adolescent pregnancy cases identified from Rural Health Unit records in selected barangays of Marawi City, Saguiaran, and Molundo, Lanao del Sur. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews and analyzed thematically. Results: Findings revealed that early adolescent pregnancy is influenced by interconnected factors, including early marriage practices, limited access to sexual and reproductive health education, socio-economic constraints, and strong familial and cultural expectations. Health-related challenges included inadequate prenatal care utilization, stigma, and limited autonomy in health decision-making. Emotional responses ranged from acceptance and normalization to distress and uncertainty, shaped largely by social support systems. Conclusion: Early adolescent pregnancy among Muslim girls in Lanao del Sur is deeply embedded in socio-cultural and structural contexts. Interventions must be culturally sensitive and community-based, emphasizing reproductive health education, empowerment, and improved access to adolescent-friendly health services. These findings provide important insights for policy development and targeted public health programs.