Factors affecting neonatal mortality among teenage girls in Uganda
Abstract
The study examined the factors affecting neonatal morality among teenage girls in Uganda. Three specific objectives were examined; relationship between socio-demographic factors, economic factors, maternal factors with neonatal mortality. The study used secondary data which was collected by UBOS in 2016 regarding the country`s demography ad health. The data was presented at three levels; univariate, bi-variate and multi-variate analysis.
Bivariate results showed a significant statistical association between currently pregnancy and neonatal mortality (p=0.000). The rate was highest among teenagers who were currently pregnant (22.8%). Neonatal mortality was highest among babies weighing more 3.8kg (7.1%). This differential was statistically significant as the p-value was less than 0.05 (p=0.040). Neonatal mortality was highest among women who never attended antenatal care (29.4%). This differential was statistically significant (p=0.000). Neonatal mortality was highest among women who were not using contraceptives at 5.9%. This differential was statistically significant (p=0.012). Neonatal mortality was highest among women who never breastfed their children (64%). This differential was statistically significant (p=0.000).
Multivariate results showed that teenage pregnancy is a determining factor for neonatal mortality (p=0.001). The odds of baby to survive was highest among teenagers who are currently not pregnant compared to teenagers who are currently pregnant (OR=0.138; CI=0.045-0.423), weight of the baby was also a determining factor for neonatal mortality (p=0.001). The odds of survival among the new born was highest among babies with normal weight compared to over and under weight babies (OR=0.842; CI=0.220-3.221), antenatal care was also determining factor for neonatal mortality (p=0.047). The odds of survival among the new born was highest among teenagers who attended antenatal care compared to those who never attended antenatal care (OR=5.283; CI=0.952-1.36) and breast feeding was a determining factor for neonatal mortality (p=0.003). The odds of survival among the new born was highest among women who breast fed their children compared to those who never breastfeeding their babies (OR=1.950; CI=1.647-1.496).
Therefore, the researcher recommends to encouraging and educate young women the importance of consuming a proper balanced diet during pregnancy, encouraging girl child education and sexual education for both school going teenagers and non-school going teenagers, encouraging young mothers to attend antenatal care so as to acquire more knowledge which is related to maternal health and educating them about the importance of breastfeeding.