What are the causes of high teenage pregnancies: a case study Busoga region

Abstract

Teenage pregnancy and motherhood have been a major health and social concern in Uganda for some time. The number of adolescent girls who get pregnant before attaining the age of consent has slightly increased. This study aimed at assessing the causes of high teenage pregnancies in Busoga region. A total of 1530 respondents from Busoga region were included in this study. Data was analyzed at univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis. The study found out that age at first sex was associated with teenage pregnancy in Busoga region. Respondents aged between and 18-22 were significantly associated with reduced odds of being pregnant compared those aged between 8-12 years. The study also revealed that place of residence was associated with teenage pregnancy in Busoga region. Teenage girls in rural areas were significantly associated with increased odds of pregnancy than their counter parts in urban areas. Therefore, basing on the study findings, the study recommended that there is need for sexual education and empowerment for the adolescent girls about sexual behaviours and actual age to begin engaging in sexual intercourse and this would reduce on teenage pregnancies in the region. Formulate policy for the provision of adolescent friendly health services at health facilities that include a wide range of options, as well as offering counselling and information could enable adolescents to increase their age at first sex. Government and different stake holders should also extend family planning services like condom use to teenagers especially girls to reduce on teenage pregnancies. Teachers, community leaders and religious leaders from rural communities should also be added on board to sensitize the teenagers from rural areas about the dangers of teenage pregnancies. Other measures such as promoting household wealth creation and ensuring girls from rural areas keep in school by providing them with school materials and other school requirements would also reduce teenage pregnancies.