Early school failure predicts teenage pregnancy and marriage: A large population-based cohort study in northern Malawi

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0196041
• Publication Date: 2018-05-14T13:44:19Z
• Authors: Judith R. Glynn; Bindu S. Sunny; Bianca DeStavola; Albert Dube; Menard Chihana; Alison J. Price; Amelia C. Crampin
• Keywords: Teenage pregnancy

Background School dropout has been linked to early pregnancy and marriage but less is known about the effect of school performance. We aimed assess whether performance influenced age at sexual debut, marriage, from what drop-out were associated with these later life events. Methods Data 2007–2016 a demographic surveillance site in northern Malawi annual updating schooling status grades, behaviour surveys, analysed associations age-specific (measured as age-for-grade) (in or out school) on subsequent marriage. Landmark analysis Cox regression was used estimate hazard ratios by selected (landmark) ages, controlling for socio-economic factors. Results Information least one outcome available >16,000 children seen ages 10–18. Sexual debut subset aged ≥15 2011. For girls, being strongly earlier example, using 14, compared girls primary, those who had dropped adjusted 5.39 (95% CI 3.27–8.86), 2.39 (1.82–3.12), 2.76 (2.08–3.67) respectively. boys, equivalent association weak, 1.92 (0.81–4.55), that strong, 3.74 (2.28–6.11), although boys married later. Being overage-for-grade not boys. 10 (e.g. ratio 2.84 (1.32–6.17) 3.19 (1.47–6.94) ≥3 years overage track 10). 12, stronger older 2.41 (1.56–3.70) 14). 39% pregnant before they 18, 18% track. The main limitation use reported Conclusions progression young can predict teenage even after adjusting Early education interventions may reduce well improving learning.