Evaluating the Effectiveness of Interventions Aimed at Preventing Pregnancies Among Teenage Girls in Uganda:

Abstract

Background: Early sex is linked to many negative results such as teenage pregnancy, abortions and poorer long term educational outcomes as well as instability in family structures. It could also be attributed to disadvantaged family backgrounds. Therefore, it is vital to install appropriate interventions in place to prevent the negative results associate with teenage pregnancy. Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at preventing pregnancies among teenage girls in Buyengo Sub County, Jinja district. Methods: A cross-sectional study was used to collect data from 100 respondents using Stratified disproportionate random sampling method. A researcher administered questionnaire and a key informant interview guide were used to collect data. Data was entered using SPSS version 16.0 and Microsoft Excel computer packages. Results: The majority of respondents (45%) were between the age of 15-19 years, 36% were married and 85% were aware of the interventions aimed at preventing teenage pregnancy. The source of awareness of the respondents on the interventions was through community programs (30%) and 70% of the respondents rated the effectiveness of the interventions aimed at preventing teenage pregnancy as good. 60% of the occupation of the respondents’ parents/guardians was civil service. Conclusion: Basing from the results above, Buyengo Sub-County has a small proportion of teenage girls. Also the source of awareness was primarily through community programs which was not sufficient to deliver adequate information on matters related to teenage pregnancy. Recommendation: Stakeholders in Buyengo Sub-County should device other sources of awareness on prevention of teenage pregnancy amongst girls other than community programs. The government should provide loan schemes through Prosperity for All, with small interests in order to encourage parents to participate in developmental projects. The Ministry of Health should continue to sensitize the youth on the dangers of premarital sex which can result in teenage pregnancy. Religious and local leaders should advocate for and set upright standards including morals accepted by society.