Objective: To identify spatial patterns and factors spatially related to adolescent motherhood according to the number of live births in districts of the Republic of Panama in 2023.
Methods: A spatial analysis of motherhood in adolescents aged 10-14 and 15-19 years was carried out
using data from the National Population and Housing Census. Spatial dependence was analyzed with the
Global and Anselin Local Morán indices. Factors associated with the percentage of mothers according to
live births were identified using spatial regression models.
Results: The percentage of adolescents aged 10-14 years with one and two or more live births was 0.128
and 0.003, respectively, and in adolescents aged 15-19 years it was 7.314 and 1.700. Positive spatial
autocorrelation (p=0.000) was identified in the percentages of adolescents aged 15-19 years, with 62
districts located in high-high maternity clusters with one live birth and 74 in high-high clusters with two or
more live births. The provinces with the highest percentages of indigenous adolescents and the indigenous
regions had most of their districts in high-high clusters with one and two or more live births. Spatial
regressions showed significant (p<0.05) and positive relationships between the percentage of adolescents
with a live birth and early unions and school absence, as well as between adolescents with two or more
live birth and multidimensional poverty.
Conclusions: The spatial distribution of adolescents aged 15-19 years according to the number of live
births is related to sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors. Targeted actions are needed in the
country.
