An investigation of factors contributing teenage pregnancy in secondary schools: a case study in the Ibanda district, western Uganda

Abstract

The study investigated the factors contributing towards teenage pregnancy in Ibanda district. The major objective of the study was to find out the factors that contribute towards teenage pregnancy of students in schools of Ibanda District. The specific objectives were to establish the socio-economic context and conditions of pregnant secondary school girls in Ibanda district, to find out the domestic situation of learners and their living conditions at home or elsewhere, to find out what pregnant learners consider as factors that contribute towards their own situation, to establish the moral values, beliefs, and attitudes of parents, the community, and peers towards teenage learner pregnancy in schools To achieve the above objectives, the researcher collected primary data and secondary data. The descriptive research design was used to carry out the study. A sample of 80 respondents who comprised of 5 secondary schools from urban centres and 5 secondary schools from villages and the data was thereafter analyzed using the SPSS computer program. The researcher concluded that other than the non- contraceptive usage and misconceptions, media influence, poverty and social conditions, peer groups, religious and cultural beliefs, attitudes of contraceptive providers, technological influence, there are many other factors that have led to the prevalence of teenage pregnancies. Some of these factors are ignorance of safer sex methods, fear of or myths surrounding family planning, rape, and defilement, among others. The study recommends that parents should provide for their children all the essential needs and requirements such as school, home and personal requirements. Education should be promoted with emphasis on sex education and entrepreneurship skills especially for the youth to avoid dependency