Sexual and reproductive health experiences of teenagers and young women in Mparo Division, Hoima city.

Abstract

Teenage pregnancy has significant implications on the sexual and reproductive health rights of teenagers and young women. In Uganda, teenage pregnancy has continued regardless of the efforts and resources invested by government and various institutions specifically the family, schools, and non-governmental organizations to prevent and control this practice. In this study I examine the sexual and reproductive health experiences of teenage and young mothers in Mparo division, Hoima city. The specific objectives of this study were: to explore the community perceptions and attitudes towards sexual and reproductive health rights of teenagers and young women, investigate the drivers of teenage pregnancy, the effects of teenage pregnancy on the community, and to analyze the measures taken by the community to promote and protect the sexual and reproductive health rights of teenagers and young women. Using a cross sectional research design, data was collected from the parents, the students, victims, the probation officer, health worker and the community development officer. Study results revealed that there is a difference in the understanding of SHR for example, safe motherhood is a package to be taken by a parent that involves preparations and protection of children’s’ rights. It was noted that a number of measures provided to curb teenage pregnancy namely, empowerment of the girl child, guidance and counselling by health workers, provision of the economic support to the youth and effective law enforcements. The local leaders together with the central government should enforce laws against cultural practices that violet the sexual and reproductive rights of teenagers and young women.