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<p>In Burkina Faso, the prevalence of teenage pregnancies remains alarmingly high, contributing to maternal morbidity, mortality, and exacerbating socio-economic inequalities. This study&#xa0;examines the understanding, beliefs, and perceptions&#xa0;of religious leaders in Soudougui, Burkina Faso,&#xa0;regarding early pregnancy among adolescents, and explores how these views may contribute to community attitudes, stigma, and responses to this issue. A qualitative design was employed, using in-depth interviews with 18 religious leaders selected through purposive sampling to ensure diverse religious representation. Thematic analysis was applied to identify recurrent patterns across socio-cultural and religious contexts. Religious leaders typically defined adolescent pregnancy as occurring between the ages of 12 and 17 and expressed views shaped by&#xa0;strong moral, spiritual, and cultural convictions. Participants associated early pregnancy with&#xa0;shame, dishonor, and moral failure, and frequently referenced&#xa0;religious doctrines that framed premarital sex as sinful. Key perceived causes included poverty, lack of sexual education, peer influence, and weak parental supervision. Some leaders opposed contraception or sexual education initiatives, while others emphasized&#xa0;traditional gender roles and restricted social behaviors&#xa0;(e.g., girls avoiding bars or funerals). Although they acknowledged serious health and social consequences—including school dropout, family rejection, and obstetric risks. Their role in mitigating stigma or supporting pregnant adolescents was limited, often deferring responsibility to families or authorities. This study reveals that religious leaders’ perspectives, while informed and contextually grounded, may also contribute to the stigmatization of adolescent pregnancy. Their inclusion in community-based interventions could promote more empathetic and informed approaches and help reframe harmful narratives. A comprehensive strategy integrating religious dialogue, education, and gender equity is critical to address adolescent pregnancy and its consequences in rural Burkina Faso and similar contexts.</p>

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Religious Leaders’ Understanding of Early Pregnancy Among Adolescents in Soudougui, Burkina Faso: A Qualitative Study

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年12月22日

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  • Patrice Alain Ngangue,
  • Boiyenli Koadiyama,
  • Nestor Bationo,
  • Gbètogo Maxime Kiki,
  • David Jean Simon

摘要

In Burkina Faso, the prevalence of teenage pregnancies remains alarmingly high, contributing to maternal morbidity, mortality, and exacerbating socio-economic inequalities. This study examines the understanding, beliefs, and perceptions of religious leaders in Soudougui, Burkina Faso, regarding early pregnancy among adolescents, and explores how these views may contribute to community attitudes, stigma, and responses to this issue. A qualitative design was employed, using in-depth interviews with 18 religious leaders selected through purposive sampling to ensure diverse religious representation. Thematic analysis was applied to identify recurrent patterns across socio-cultural and religious contexts. Religious leaders typically defined adolescent pregnancy as occurring between the ages of 12 and 17 and expressed views shaped by strong moral, spiritual, and cultural convictions. Participants associated early pregnancy with shame, dishonor, and moral failure, and frequently referenced religious doctrines that framed premarital sex as sinful. Key perceived causes included poverty, lack of sexual education, peer influence, and weak parental supervision. Some leaders opposed contraception or sexual education initiatives, while others emphasized traditional gender roles and restricted social behaviors (e.g., girls avoiding bars or funerals). Although they acknowledged serious health and social consequences—including school dropout, family rejection, and obstetric risks. Their role in mitigating stigma or supporting pregnant adolescents was limited, often deferring responsibility to families or authorities. This study reveals that religious leaders’ perspectives, while informed and contextually grounded, may also contribute to the stigmatization of adolescent pregnancy. Their inclusion in community-based interventions could promote more empathetic and informed approaches and help reframe harmful narratives. A comprehensive strategy integrating religious dialogue, education, and gender equity is critical to address adolescent pregnancy and its consequences in rural Burkina Faso and similar contexts.