There are a number of factors that contribute to the higher teen birth rate in rural areas, including:
* Poverty: Rural areas tend to have higher poverty rates than metropolitan areas. Poverty is a risk factor for teen pregnancy, as it can make it difficult for teens to access contraception and other resources that can help them prevent pregnancy.
* Lack of access to healthcare: Rural areas often have fewer healthcare providers and less access to transportation, which can make it difficult for teens to get the healthcare they need, including contraception.
* Lack of sex education: Rural schools are less likely to provide comprehensive sex education than metropolitan schools. This can leave teens uninformed about their sexual health and how to prevent pregnancy.
* Cultural norms: Rural areas may have more conservative cultural norms around sex and pregnancy, which can make it more difficult for teens to talk about these issues and get the support they need.