TRENDS OF ADOLESCENT CHILDBEARING IN NEPAL - LESSON AND POLICY IMPLICATION

Abstract

Adolescence is a transition period of second decade of life. What happen between age 10-19, whether good
or bad, determines how girls and boys live out their lives as adults. In addition to change in social relationship,
in Nepal, marriage and child bearing are major events which have direct bearing to the health of adolescents.
Fertility among adolescents in Nepal is high compare to develop countries and Nepal Family Health Survey
2001 reported that only 59.6 percent married adolescent had no children. It was found that during 5 years
period there is slight decrease in the prevalence of adolescent childbearing in Nepal. The best way to
prevent adolescent pregnancy, as long-term measure, is by providing opportunities specially for education
and skills development through which their status increases. It is equally important to focus family planning
services and reproductive health education through health program to them.

Key Words: Adolescent, adolescent childbearing, fertility, and contraceptive.