Risk factors contributing to the Prevalence of Teenage Pregnancy Among Teenagers at Naguru Teenage Centre.

Abstract

Introduction Teenage pregnancy and its effects on teen motherhood are among the major societal problems encountering in the contemporary global community. In a 30 million population 25 percent pregnancy rate among adolescents is an issue of great concern to the government and the whole of Uganda.

Objectives This study identifies and analyzes the risk factors contributing to the prevalence of teenage pregnancy among teenagers assessing Naguru teenage centre.

Methodology A cross sectional study design was used employing both quantitative and qualitative approaches using 384 population sample size among teenagers assessing Naguru teenage centre. A consecutive sampling technique with structured questionnaire was used to identify the risk factors contributing to teenage pregnancy. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS for the relationship between the variables. The result shows that 4 in every 10 teenagers accessing Naguru teenage centre are pregnant.

Results Individual risk factors found to be associated with teenage pregnancy were educational level (P=0.024, X2=7.452), age at the start of contraceptives (P=0.049, X2= 7.852), sibling who are sexually active (X2=12.727, P=0.005) and siblings ever got pregnant (X2=15.214, P<0.001). Perception about sex (X2=10.590, P=0.005), access to contraception (X2=4.455, P=0.035) and government/NGO involvement (X2=9.662, P=0.008) were community factors risk factors associated with teenage pregnancy. Family factors such as relationship with parents (X2=8.536, P=0.012), mothers dating other men (X2=8.536, P=0.0036) and educational level of parents (X2=39.194, P<0.001) were significantly associated with prevalence of teenage pregnancy.

Conclusion The study concluded that the prevalence of teenage pregnancy among teenager accessing Naguru teenage centre is moderately high. Risk factors for teenage pregnancy were educational level, age at the start of contraceptives, sibling sexually active, siblings ever got pregnant, perception about sex, access to contraception, government/NGO involvement, relationship with parents, mothers dating other men and educational level of parents.

Recommendation Government, Stakeholders, community leaders, teachers and parents have more efforts such as sensitization, monitoring, counseling, etc to intensify on various means of reducing teenager‘s pregnancy