Socio-economic and gender-related challenges experienced by teenage mothers in accessing healthcare services: a case study of Walukuba Village, Masese, Jinja City

Abstract

Teenage mothers face multiple socio-economic and gender-related challenges that may limit their ability to access timely, affordable and respectful healthcare services. This study examined the socio-economic and gender-related challenges experienced by teenage mothers in accessing healthcare services in Walukuba Village, Masese, Jinja City. Specifically, the study explored financial challenges, social stigma and discrimination, gender norms and unequal power relations, the nature and adequacy of social support, and the coping strategies used by teenage mothers to overcome barriers to healthcare access. A qualitative case study design was employed, and data were collected through in-depth interviews with five teenage mothers aged 16–19 years residing in Walukuba Village. The data were analysed thematically to identify recurring patterns and experiences across participants. The findings revealed that teenage mothers experienced significant financial barriers, particularly transport costs, the cost of medicines and medical supplies, limited personal income and dependence on relatives or male partners for healthcare expenses. Social stigma was experienced through family disappointment, community judgement, embarrassment and, in some cases, disrespectful treatment within healthcare settings. Gender norms placed greater responsibility for pregnancy, childcare and domestic work on teenage mothers, while fathers of the children often provided inconsistent support. Although teenage mothers were generally able to recognise when healthcare was needed, limited control over financial resources sometimes reduced their ability to seek care independently. Mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters and Village Health Team members were important sources of emotional, financial, practical and informational support, although such support was often inadequate. Teenage mothers coped by borrowing money, seeking help from relatives, keeping small savings, using informal income, consulting VHTs and sometimes visiting drug shops before seeking formal treatment. The study concludes that healthcare access among teenage mothers is shaped by interconnected financial, social and gender-related factors rather than by the availability of health services alone. Improving access therefore requires interventions that address financial vulnerability, stigma, gender inequality, weak paternal responsibility and inadequate support systems. The study recommends strengthening adolescent-friendly healthcare services, family and paternal support, VHT services, economic empowerment, educational reintegration and community-based support programmes for teenage mothers. These measures would help improve timely, affordable, respectful and continuous healthcare access for teenage mothers and their children.