Risk Factors of Adolescent Pregnancy: A case study of Rukiga County - Kabale District

Abstract

The objective of this study was to establish the risk factors of adolescent pregnancy in Rukiga county- Kabale district. Using primary data collected from different parts of the district, a sample of 140 female adolescents in age range of 10-24 years was studied. Results from this study indicate that 64% of those with no education were likely to become pregnant during adolescent age compared to those with Primary (41%), Secondary (40%) and Tertiary education (50%). Results also show that 46% of Adolescents who are rural based had a high percentage of pregnancy compared to 28% of those from urban areas. Education level, Type of residence, sex and age had significant impact on the dependent variable (adolescent pregnancy) while place of birth, religion and ethnicity were not significantly connected to adolescent pregnancy. Based on the findings, the following factors in this study were identified as risk factors for adolescent pregnancy among respondents; being Mukiga, coming from a rural area, staying with parents, education level, peer influence, lack of privacy, poor economic status, exposure to television messages, access to print media, marriage at less than 18 years, sex education and counseling against pregnancy. The study, therefore, recommends that Kabale District Local Council should enact a by-law for girl children not to marry before the age of 18 years. It should also advocate for cheaper education for the girl child and re-enrollment of adolescent girls back into school after delivery. This could help in delaying subsequent pregnancies and allow benefit from formal education that reduces the risk of pregnancy.