Reproduction of Maternal Mortality Rate in Tanzania Development of Reproductive Health Awareness Materials to Prevent Unwanted Pregnancy to Adolescent.

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to : idendfy factors contributing to adolescent pregnancy, which is a risk factor to maternal mortality ; compare reproductive health issues between Tanzania and Japan and then to develop a reproductive health program for Tanzania adolescents. Method Twelve electronic databases were searched including PubMed and Cochrane Library ; The keywords used were Tanzania, adolescent, pregnancy, maternal mortahty, reproductive health. Only research studies on pardcipant's between ages 13-18 years were used. Web sites of relevant organizations and reviews of Japan's and Tanzania's chIical information on reproductive health service were included. Excluded were non-Enghsh language publications and those pubhshed before 1999. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Findings The Tanzania population is young: 65% is under 24 years and 20% are between 15 - 24 years (National Bureau of Statistics Macro , 2005). Yet, these youth who hold the key to our future as a nation have idendfied issues of concern: lack of adequate knowledge, Culture and traditional problems and poor accessibility to proper information for adolescents. The findings show that high rates of unprotected sex and lack of information would be the leading cause of unwanted pregnancy. Pregnant teenagers face relational problems with families, partners and community. There is therefore a need to sensitize the community and school personnel about adolescent reproductive health issues. Conclusion A picture drama can address the need for sex education to empower adolescent reproductive health knowledge that will contribute to reduction of unintended pregnancy as a result of maternal mortality