Factors influencing uptake of antenental care services among teenage mothers in Kampala district

Abstract

Background The purpose of this study was to understand the factors influencing uptake of antenatal care (ANC) services among teenage mothers in Kampala district. Objectives The specific objectives were; to establish the available antenatal care services, to examine the economic factors influencing uptake of antenatal care services and to examine potential remedies to improve uptake of ANC services among teenage mothers. Methods: The study adopted qualitative approach in which 20 teenage respondents as well as 3 key informants were selected purposively for interviews. The study was conducted in different hospitals in Rubaga division, Kampala district which include; Kitebi health center 111, king’s hospital and, Rubaga hospital. Findings: the study found out that low uptake of antenatal care services among teenage mothers in Kampala district was because they don’t know that it is important to attend these services. The study also indicated that delayed uptake of antenatal care services is largely connected to low income, unemployment and dependence by most of the teenage mothers in the area. Conclusion and recommendation The study also indicated that delayed uptake of antenatal care services is largely connected to low income, unemployment and dependence by most of the teenage mothers in the area. The study recommended that the government, policy makers and program providers should recognize the delayed uptake of antenatal care services among teenage mothers. This increasingly problem will affect the health of both the mother and the unborn child. Therefore, more support needs to be put in place especially on awareness campaigns and sensitization