Prevention of teen birth in Uganda : assessing the effectiveness of teenage pregnancy interventions in post conflict Lira district

Abstract

The study was to assess the effectiveness of teenage pregnancy interventions in the post-conflict Lira district. The objectives of the study were to identify the existing teenage pregnancy interventions, explore whether they respond to the causes of teenage pregnancy in the district of study, and also identify the possible good practices in the design and implementation of the interventions. The study employed a cross-sectional design using a qualitative approach by focusing on mapping the existing interventions at both the district and national levels. The study was done in Ayago parish as the study area and this was selected purposely. Data was collected from teenagers both in and out of school, parents of the teenagers, and the representatives from Non-Governmental Organizations implementing teenage pregnancy interventions using personal interviews and focused group discussions. The finding revealed that sensitization of the community on the negative impacts of teenage pregnancies was being done through media, advocation, and distribution of contraceptives, and many others. The main actors were NGOs including Reproductive Health Uganda, Government bodies, parents, and teenagers themselves.