Factors contributing to high teenage pregnancy among teenagers aged 15-19 years at Kawaala Health Centre IV, Kampala district. A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background

Countrywide, Teenage pregnancy is growing rapidly among school-going pupils, leading to teenagers dropping out of school to care for their babies. The study determines the factors contributing to high teenage pregnancies among teenagers aged 15-19 years attending Kawaala Health Centre IV.

 Methodology

A descriptive cross-sectional design was used, and it employed both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. A simple random sampling method was used to select 30 pregnant mothers for the study. A questionnaire was used to collect data that was analysed manually, and the results were presented in the form of tables, graphs, and pie charts.

 Results.

The majority of respondents (60%) were aged 17–19 years, and more than half (53.3%) had attained only primary education. Individual factors revealed that peer pressure was the leading cause of early sexual involvement (40%), while 60% had never received information on the dangers of teenage pregnancy. Most respondents (56.7%) believed that 19 years is the appropriate age for pregnancy. Socio-economic findings indicated that 66.7% believed material gains contribute to teenage pregnancy, and 66.7% reported limited access to contraception. Cultural factors also played a significant role: 66.7% believed parents should be blamed, 80% linked teenage pregnancy to rising maternal mortality, and 70% confirmed peer influence. Notably, 63.3% reported having been forced or harassed into sexual activity, and 60% associated teenage pregnancy with family dysfunction.

 Conclusion

The study established that lack of knowledge about contraception, peer pressure, sexual harassment, myths and misconceptions, poverty, lack of access to health facilities, misuse of media, and lack of parental guidance were the main factors influencing teenage pregnancy.

 Recommendation

The government should establish an approach that is more holistic to equip teenagers with appropriate knowledge on sexuality and access to sexual and reproductive health services.