ADOLESCENT CHILDBEARING IN CAMEROON: AN ANALYSIS OF TRENDS, DETERMINANTS AND HEALTH CONSEQUENCES

Samuel Kelodjoue, Consultant/Chercheur

The issue of adolescent sexuality and its consequences is not new in Cameroon. For a number of years, there has been considerable concern about high levels of teenage pregnancy and their effects on the individual and society. The emergence and rapid spread of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) among the country's population has resulted in massive campaigns to sensitise people about the seriousness of sexually transmitted diseases and information on how to minimise the risk of infection. This paper first highlights the recent trends and health consequences of adolescent childbearing in Cameroon. Differences in risks of adolescent childbearing by place of residence, marital status and level of education are also assessed.. It discusses adolescent sexually and the factors that influence their sexual behaviour.