Socioeconomic impacts of adolescent pregnancy on education and future employment in Batticaloa District, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Background: Adolescent pregnancy remains a main concern in Sri Lanka, particularly in the Batticaloa District where the rate is nearly double the national average. Adolescent pregnancy has leads to school dropout and long term socioeconomic disadvantage for teenage mothers. Because there has been minimal research done within a Sri Lankan context, especially in rural area like Batticaloa, the research aimed to assess how social conditions, accessibility of education, and accessibility of health affect the levels of education and the eventual work opportunities of adolescent mothers. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional design was followed with a structured questionnaire being administered among 107 adolescent mothers in Batticaloa who became pregnant between the ages of 15–19 years. The research followed a deductive approach, and data analysis was conducted using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with the help of SmartPLS. The model examined the influence of social support, access to education, and access to health on educational attainment and its subsequent influence on labor outcomes. Results: Findings indicated that low social support, lack of access to education, and lack of access to healthcare significantly derailed the education of adolescent mothers. Level of education was found to be a significant mediator between the three variables and future job opportunities. The majority of the participants had previously dropped out of school by Grade 10, and merely 10.3% were employed, mostly at low-skilled jobs. Analysis confirmed that derailed education directly limits job opportunities and continues to contribute to economic instability among adolescent mothers. Conclusion: The study brings to the forefront the need for comprehensive, context-sensitive interventions among teen mothers. There has to be reintegration of education, adolescent-friendly healthcare, and vocational training. Reducing stigma and economic and social protection can enhance education and labor market outcomes. Intervention in these domains through a multi-sectoral approach is required to interrupt the inter-generational transmission of poverty and promote the long-term well-being of teen mothers in Batticaloa and similar settings.