Drivers of Adolescent Pregnancy Among Girls Aged 14-17 Years in Kirehe District, Rwanda: A Qualitative Study of Community and Stakeholder Perspectives

school dropout and sexual exploitation; knowledge of contraception without use; and limited access to youth-friendly services. Early pregnancy was viewed as unacceptable, but parents rarely discussed sexuality with their daughters and adolescents hid their relationships. Participants reported that sexual activity often starts at 12-15 years. Poverty, school dropout and sexual abuse by adults, including some community leaders, increased girls' vulnerability. Adolescents knew about contraception but rarely used it, mainly because they feared being called sex workers. Youth corners were far from many villages, often understaffed and sometimes judgemental. The study recommends parent-adolescent communication programmes, school retention, community-based youth-friendly services and strict enforcement of laws against child defilement.