Factors that influence teenage pregnancy in Eastern Uganda

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to establish the factors that influence teenage pregnancy among girls in Eastern Uganda. The study used cross sectional design to achieve the set objectives. Frequency distributions were computed to establish the background characteristics of the respondents. Cross tabulations were done to establish the associations between dependent and each of the dependent variables. The findings show that age at first sex, age at first marriage, education, wealth index and current marital status were significantly associated with teenage pregnancy. The study therefore recommends a teenager empowerment model or framework to be designed which will consider teenagers as one of the most important members of the community. The model should give teenagers the power as majors and not minors in order for them to see the need for personal protection, advancement and advocacy. This will enhance and support services to the teenagers provided by primary health care system.