Understanding the Influential Factors of Teenage Pregnancy in Kirumya Sub-county, Bundibugyo District, Western Uganda

Abstract

Teenage pregnancy remains a pressing global concern, impacting public health and development on multiple fronts. This study focused on probing the specific factors contributing to teenage pregnancy in Kirumya sub-county, Bundibugyo District, in western Uganda. Its objectives centered on determining the prevalence of teenage pregnancy, identifying key contributing factors, and highlighting the challenges faced by adolescents contending with early pregnancies. Engaging fifty teenage mothers and drawing insights from ten key informants, the study employed face-to-face individual interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) for data collection. The research uncovered an alarming prevalence of teenage pregnancy, estimated at 30-40%, surpassing the national average of 25%. Several interconnected factors drove this heightened incidence, including inadequate parental guidance, limited educational opportunities for teenagers, negative cultural norms, challenging socio-economic conditions, insufficient access to youth-friendly services and contraceptives, and a dearth of supportive environments for proper child rearing and development. Furthermore, the study shed light on the significant challenges faced by teenage mothers, encompassing the weight of childcare responsibilities, parental discrimination, and a lack of spousal support. In summary, the study revealed the pronounced prevalence of teenage pregnancy in Bundibugyo District, largely stemming from social, cultural, and institutional factors. Its recommendations advocate collaborative efforts among government entities, NGOs, schools, and parents, emphasizing improved sex education, enhanced accessibility to youth-friendly services, and the establishment of comprehensive social, economic, and psychological support networks for teenage mothers navigating this intricate landscape. Keywords: teenage pregnancy, associated factors, women.