FACTORS INFLUENCING TEENAGE PREGNANCY AMONG ADOLESCENTS ATTENDING ADOLESCENTS’ CLINIC AT KALISIZO GENERAL HOSPITAL, KYOTERA DISTRICT IN UGANDA. A DESCRIPTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Introduction: The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) defines teenage pregnancy as “a teenage girl usually within the age of 13 to 19 years, becoming pregnant and refers to girls who have not reached legal adulthood, which varies across the world.

Objectives of the study: The main objective of the study was to determine the factors influencing teenage pregnancy. Specific objectives were to determine the social economic factors, knowledge about control, and health impacts of teenage pregnancy among these adolescents.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional one in which a quantitative method of data collection was used. The researcher utilized simple random sampling on 75 respondents from December 2022 to January 2023. The data collection process was for 18 days using self-administered questionnaires which were filled, cleaned and later analyzed using tables, graphs, and pie charts.

Results: Out of the 75 respondents in the study, the majority57 (76%) of the respondents were between (17-18) years old, and 18(24%) of the respondents were between (13-16) years old. Low use of contraceptives was the most cause of teenage pregnancy by 69(92%), the findings revealed that 63(84%) had knowledge about the control of teenage pregnancy, Majority41 (65%) knew the use of condoms. Most of the respondents 68(90.67%) reported that teenage pregnancy affects one’s academics as the major health impact.

Conclusion: According to the findings of the study, the most 69(92%) common cause of teenage pregnancy is low contraceptive use. Most 63(84%) female adolescents had good knowledge about control of teenage pregnancy, and 68(90.67%) reported that teenage pregnancy affects one’s academics.

Recommendations: The researcher recommends that sexual education be included in the curriculum of the primary and secondary schools. Adolescents-friendly services be instituted in Health facilities to health educate them on reproductive health services and counsel them on the dangers of pre-marital sex.