Factors associated with teenage pregnancy and its effects in Tisai Sub-County, Kumi District

Abstract

Objectives This study established the factors associated with teenage pregnancy and its effects on the study population of Tisai Sub-County, Kumi district. Understanding the magnitude, causes and effects of teenage pregnancy is crucial for developing prevention programs yet little evidence exists on the causes and effects of teenage pregnancy in Tisai Sub-County. The objectives of the study were; to find out the causes, effects of teenage pregnancy in Tisai sub-county, to find out level of awareness and limitations of contraceptive use as a preventive measure to teenage pregnancies.

Methods used A non-probability purposive sampling technique was employed with 22 primary respondents involved from Tisai Sub-County, Kumi district and five key informants to find out causes of teenage pregnancy, effects of teenage pregnancy, contraceptive use and awareness. The data collected was analyzed qualitatively by interpretation and explanation.

Findings According to the findings of the study, poverty was identified as the major cause of teenage pregnancy and school dropout as the main effect.

The conclusion The conclusion from the study is that the magnitude of teenage pregnancy is high; the main cause of teenage pregnancy is poverty forcing teenagers to engage in early sex for money to buy basic needs in Tisai sub-county and major effect being school dropout, early marriage, child and maternal mortality. The researcher made recommendation to government, civil society, community and households.

Recommendations The major recommendation which was cutting across all stakeholders included sensitization of the masses about the danger of teenage pregnancy and advocating for implementation of existing laws and passage of new ones about teenage pregnancy.