Resilience among teenage girls against pregnancy during covid-19 in Buwali subcounty, Bududa district

Abstract

The study was aimed at assessing resilience among teenage girls against pregnancy during Covid-19 in Buwali Sub-County, Bududa district. The study also sought to assess individual-level protective factors contributing to resilience among teenage girls against pregnancy during Covid-19, establish family-level protective factors contributing to resilience among teenage girls against pregnancy during Covid-19, and examine community-level protective factors contributing to resilience among teenage girls against pregnancy during Covid-19 in Buwali Sub county, Bududa district. Data was collected using questionnaires, interview guides, key informant guides, and FGDs from 80 teenage girls, 15 parents and 5 local leaders from Buwali Subcounty, Bududa district. This study confirmed that several factors influence the resilience of teenage girls against pregnancy during Covid-19. Many personal abilities and traits, such as optimism and tenacity are associated with resilience. Individual-level protective factors contributing to resilience among teenage girls against pregnancy during Covid-19 were self-control and self-esteem. Family factors such parental guidance, access to essential needs as provide by parents, and also sex education provided by parents, played a key role in protecting girls from pregnancies during Covid were also important in enhancing resilience. Community factors such mentorship and guidance or counselling from different personalities helped to enhance resilience among teenage girls against pregnancy during Covid-19. It is important that the laws and penalties for the perpetrators of sexual abuse be strengthened in communities in order to eliminate the different bad elements that participate in getting different teenagers pregnant.