Socio-economic factors associated with teenage pregnancies in Pakwach District: a case of Puvungu Parish

Abstract

Uganda has one of the largest proportions of youngest population in the world and teenage pregnancy has emerged as one of the major public health problem among them. The main objective of this study was to establish socio-economic factors associated with teenage pregnancy in Pakwach District with Puvungu as a case study. The study was both quantitative and qualitative in approach and took on a case study design. The findings of the study indicated that individual factors had a fair relationship with teenage pregnancy. However, the study revealed that family related factors were insignificant predictor of teenage pregnancy. While some shifts in social norms, physical environments, political support and economic wellbeing have some influence on teenage pregnancy, a number of feasible steps were identified. Reducing the prevalence and negative consequences of adolescent pregnancy should be a collective responsibility and concern for each member of the community, not only the girls, their parents or the President of Uganda.