The early transition from adolescence to motherhood in India: a socio-demographic and reproductive health approach

Lopamudra Paul, Research Associate (Moniotoring & Evaluation) Population Foundation of India
Lalitendu Jagatdeb, Population Foundation of India

Adolescence means as grow to maturity specially as transitional phase from childhood to adulthood with physical and mental maturity. Nearly, one-forth of adolescent girls are married in their adolescence and this early entry to the sexual union exposes them to the risk of childbearing. The present paper study the life course of adolescent through entry to sexual union, sexual health, motherhood, relationship with family, and decision making process with influence of socio-economic and demographic factors on transition from adolescence to motherhood. Results show that 27.2 percent adolescent girls are severely anaemic and 2.3 percent adolescent girls are suffering from TB. Further, teenage pregnancy is16.0 percent maternal morbidity and infant mortality is literally the highest among adolescent Only 40.4 percent adolescent married girls have rights to take decision on her own healthcare and freedom of movement and sexual violence occurred mostly in adolescence (32.2 percent) compared to other ages.