http://www.inosr.

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Apili
INOSR APPLIED SCIENCES 11(1):13-24, 2023
©INOSR PUBLICATIONS
International Network Organization for Scientific Research ISSN: 2705-165X
https://doi.org/10.59298/INOSRAS/2023/2.6.4000

Influential Elements Impacting Adolescent Pregnancy in Teen Mothers

Seeking Antenatal Care at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital, Kabarole
District
Apili Everlyne

Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry Kampala International University Western

Campus Uganda.

ABSTRACT
In sub-Saharan Africa, approximately 14 million pregnancies arise annually, with almost half
occurring among women aged 15–19. Uganda saw 25% of young women in that age bracket
beginning childbearing in 2015. The primary aim of the study was to identify factors
influencing teenage pregnancy among adolescent mothers receiving antenatal care at Fort
Portal Regional Referral Hospital in Kabarole district. Using a cross-sectional descriptive
design, 288 teenage girls were randomly selected for participation. The majority (51.4%) fell
within the 17-19 age range, 72.9% were unmarried, 54.5% had attained a Secondary education
level, and most (60.4%) lived in rural areas. The teenage pregnancy rate stood at 25.7%.
Individual factors significantly linked to teenage pregnancy included inadequate
contraceptive use and alcohol misuse. Household-related factors associated with teenage
pregnancy encompassed orphanhood, low-income status (poverty), absence of parental
guidance, and teenage girls not residing with their parents. Community factors significantly
tied to teenage pregnancy among those attending antenatal care at Fort Portal regional
referral hospital included peer influence, exposure to pornographic content, limited access
to reproductive health services, and cultural norms. These cultural practices involved early
and arranged marriages, along with coerced sex with witch doctors disguised as healers.
The researcher suggested that Uganda's government establish additional centers,
particularly in rural areas, to address limited access to reproductive health services.
Additionally, regulating alcohol and drug use among teenagers by restricting access to these
substances was recommended.
Keywords: Teenage Pregnancies, Antenatal care, teenage mothers, teenage girls, Parents.

INTRODUCTION
Globally, and largely in low and middle- educational, and health outcomes over the
income countries, an estimated 16 million course of their lives than do children born
young women aged 15 to 19, and about a to adult parents [4]. Babies born to teenage
million girls under 15 years of age give mothers also face a substantially higher
birth every year [1]. Each year, about 14 risk of dying than those born to women
million pregnancies occur across sub- aged 20 to 24 [5]. Also, adolescent
Saharan Africa, with nearly half of them pregnancies are more likely to be aborted
occurring among women aged 15–19 years [2]. In Africa, where pre-marital sex is
[2]. In Uganda, 25 percent of young women not accepted, especially for young
age 15–19 had begun childbearing in 2015 women, unintended pregnancies mostly
[3]. Adolescent childbearing (intended or happen outside marriage. This often
not) has adverse effects at the individual, implies secret, unsafe abortions under
community, and societal level. Compared unhygienic conditions performed by
with their peers who delay childbearing, people who lack the necessary skills and
young women who have babies are less in places that do not meet minimal medical
likely to finish high school, more likely to standards [6]. Teenage pregnancies could
be poor as adults, and more liable to have be avoided by using condoms or other.
kids who have poorer behavioral, Most sexually active young people in
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INOSR APPLIED SCIENCES 11(1):13-24, 2023
Uganda, however, do not use 43% in1995 to 31% in 2002 and to 24.6% in
contraceptives: among those who are 2006, the most recent [3] showed that the
sexually active, 31% of those aged 12–18 prevalence has increased to 25% [3]. This
years were not using any contraceptive rate is unacceptably high. According to the
method at their last sexual encounter [7]. [3], teenage child bearing is one of the
If the majority of the pregnancies among main factors that explains the high
teenagers are unwanted, this raises the fertility rates in Uganda and unless this is
question about why young people are not checked, the high maternal and child
protecting themselves. Findings from mortality rate and the negative impacts of
studies conducted in sub-Saharan Africa teenage child bearing like school drop outs
indicate that young women’s use of still threatens to undermine the
contraceptive methods is limited by remarkable improvement made by
several factors including violent and government and other stake holders to
coercive sexual relationships, lack of improve the household standards of living
knowledge, limited access to contraceptive for the vast majority of people in Uganda
methods, lack of control over [3]. It also threatens to undermine the
contraception decisions, and concerns socio-economic development since the
over the perceived side effects of family vast majority of young mothers miss out
planning methods [8]. In Uganda, on opportunities to advance academically
knowledge of the existence of and therefore undermine their future
contraceptives and where to obtain them competencies in contributing to
seems to be high among the youth development. This is because many of
population [3]. However, this knowledge them drop out of school and hence fail to
seems superficial as evidence shows that develop skills competencies for gainful
21% of young women and 46% of young engagement in economic activities.
men who knew the pill did not know that it Interventions to curb the situation include
has to be taken daily for it to be effective the introduction of Universal Primary
[3]. Beyond this knowledge gap, studies Education (UPE) in 1997, Universal
show that contraceptive usage in Uganda Secondary Education (USE) in 2007 and the
is also influenced by young women feeling affirmative action at public universities,
too inhibited and ashamed to seek vocational and technical institutes to help
contraception services or because prolong their stay in school. In addition,
contraceptives are not easily available [9]. there was a directive by the President and
However, the situation in Uganda is not Ministry of Education and Sports in 2002
well researched [10]. The specific factors that sex education should be taught in
and beliefs that lead to contraceptive non- primary schools and during school
use remain obscure and up to date, assemblies and the launch of the
evidence-based data on personal such as Abstinence Till Marriage drive by the first
knowledge, attitudes, and skills) and lady respectively. In relation, the
environmental such as social and government put in place the program for
structural influences such as social Enhancing Adolescent Reproductive Life
support, reinforcements and access to (PEARL) and the provision of free condoms
contraceptives) determinants of teenage through the Ministry of Health. Other
pregnancy are lacking. This is more so in partners include the religious institutions
rural areas like Kabarole district as most especially the church, Straight Talk
researchers tend to concentrate in urban Foundation through its publications of
areas. Thus, makes thus study important “Young Talk” and “Straight Talk”, Radio
in exploring the factors contributing to talk Shows, “Straight Talk Clubs in schools
teenage pregnancies. The study was and communities, sensitization seminars
carried out among teenage mothers and workshops, campaigns and
attending antennal care at Fort Portal movements among others, but the rates of
regional referral hospital in Kabarole teenage pregnancy show a slight decline
district. [11]. All these interventions have yielded
Despite the fact that teenage pregnancy in little progress which requires that a study
Uganda has been on a steady decline from be carried out to establish the actual
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INOSR APPLIED SCIENCES 11(1):13-24, 2023
causes of teenage pregnancy so as to come could be one way of saving a young and
up with appropriate interventions. It is productive generation. However, this
thus paramount to carry out a study to study will determine factors influencing
establish the influencing teenage teenage pregnancy among teenage
pregnancies. If this crisis is not checked, mothers attending antenatal care at Fort
the future of the young generation is Portal Regional Referral Hospital in
doomed. Fighting teenage pregnancy thus Kabarole district.
METHODOLOGY
Study design Confidence level 95%
The researcher used a cross-sectional P is the prevalence of teenage pregnancy.
descriptive method of data collection (The most recent Uganda Demographic
because most of the research findings and Health Survey 2016 (UDHS) showed
were reported in a descriptive statement that the prevalence has increased to 25%
and supplemented by figures and tables [3].
and the respective frequencies and P= 25% = 0.25
percentages were calculated. A case study n= 1.962 x 0.25(1-0.25)/ 0.052
research design was used. n= 288
Area of Study Sampling procedure
The researcher collected data from the Simple random sampling was used to
Fort Portal regional referral hospital in select teenage mothers. This was used to
Kabarole District. The location is give all target populations equal chances
approximately 148 kilometres (92 mi) west of being selected thus reducing selection
of Mubende Regional Referral Hospital. It bias. Key informants were selected using
is a referral hospital for the districts of purposive sampling to enable the
Bundibgyo, Kabarole, Kamwenge, Kasese, researcher to select only those he thought
Ntoroko and Kyenjojo. were knowledgeable on the subject matter.
Population of the study Data sources, collection methods and
The researcher was interested in teenage instruments
girls attending antenatal care at Fort Portal Sources of data
Regional Referral Hospital. The researcher The researcher used primary data i.e.
also interfaced with health workers and views directly from the field (respondents)
community leaders in Kabarole District. who were either pregnant or young
Inclusion criteria: mothers at that time and the key
Teenage girls below the age of 19 years informants. This was done through the
attended antenatal care at Fort Portal one-to-one interviews that were held.
Regional Referral Hospital at the time of Data Collection Methods
the study. Semi-structured questionnaires were
Exclusion criteria: used to collect data from teenage
Teenage girls below the age of 19 years mothers to give the researcher can collect
who were pregnant or had given birth and both qualitative and quantitative data. Key
were attending antenatal care at Fort Portal Informant Interviews were used to collect
Regional Referral Hospital at the time of data from key informants.
the study but refused to consent or were Data collection procedure
in ill health. Pregnant mothers above 19 The researcher got an introductory letter
years old. from the office of the Head, Department of
Sample size determination. Department at KIU which enabled her
The researcher sampled respondents who access and create rapport with the relevant
acted as the representatives of the entire officers and stakeholders. The cover letter
population of teenage mothers. Key explained the purpose of the study. The
informants were also selected including researcher sought permission from the
local leaders and health workers. hospital administration before accessing
The sample size was calculated using respondents. Informed consent from
Keish Lesley Formula.n= Z2P (1-P) / E2 respondents was also requested.
Z is the confidence interval, which is 1.96
E is the margin of error set at 5%
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Data processing, analysis and assistants were given brief training and
interpretation brief enlightenment about teenage
The researcher cleaned the data right from pregnancy and its associated dangers to
the field by crosschecking all the the life of a young mother.
questionnaires to ensure that all the Data processing
required information had been captured. The data went through a cleaning and
The researcher then used SPSS (Statistical coding process before analysis. This
Package for Social Scientists) to enter and involved field editing of questionnaires.
analyze the data. The analyzed data was After data collection, it was coded into
then processed using Microsoft Word, t h e computer to eliminate certain errors
interpreted and presented using that occurred during data entry.
descriptive tables, for better Ethical issues
understanding. The researcher then The researcher maintained a high sense of
elaborated on the findings of the research confidentiality of the information that was
in a research report. generated. All forms of support that were
Quality Control rendered to the researcher were
To ensure the validity of the research and acknowledged in the report. After
the results, appropriate collective obtaining the questionnaires, they were
measures were used to address the kept in the safe custody of the researcher
research tool. Irrelevant questions were [12]. No names of respondents were used
avoided and only relevant questions were in the study respondents were
framed to capture relevant information. represented with numbers e.g. respondent
Data Reliability number 3.
To ensure consistency of data, research
RESULTS
Demographic characteristics of the 157 (54.5%) had attained Secondary level
study of education while the least, 61 (21.2%)
Study findings in table one below indicate had attained primary level of education.
that majority of the respondents, 148 Most respondents, 99 (34.3%) were
(51.4%) were in the age group of 17-19 affiliated to Anglican religion while the
years while the least, 51 (17.7%) were least, 19 (6.6%) were born again Christians.
below 14 years of age. Most teenage Majority of the respondents, 174 (60.4%)
girls/mothers, 210 (72.9%) were never resided in rural areas while the least 34
married while the least,8 (2.8%) were (11.8%) resided in peri-urban areas.
divorced/single mothers. Most teenagers,

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Table 1 showing demographic characteristics of the study
Variable Frequency (n=288) Percentage (%)
Age Group
<14 years 51 17.7
15-16 years 89 30.9
17-19 years 148 51.4
Marital status
Never married 210 72.9
Married 45 15.6
Single Mother/ divorced 8 2.8
Cohabiting 25 8.7
Educational level
Primary 61 21.2
Secondary 157 54.5
Institution 70 24.3
Religion
Catholic 81 28.1
Anglican 99 34.3
Muslim 54 18.7
Born again Christians 19 6.6
Others (Faith of Unity) 35 12.2
Residence
Urban 80 27.8
Peri-Urban 34 11.8
Rural 174 60.4

Individual factors influencing teenage modern contraceptives (OR=6.01:95%CI,

pregnancy among teenage mothers 3.922- 12.070: P=0.000). Also, teenage
attending antenatal care at Fort portal girls who relied on condoms as a form of
regional referral hospital in Kabarole contraceptive were 4 times more likely to
district. experience teenage pregnancy compared
Study findings according to table 2 below to teenage girls who used oral pills
indicated that 74 teenagers (25.7%), had (OR=4.29: 95%CI,1.731 -13.275: P=0.009).
ever been pregnant or given birth. Of Injectable, Implants and IUDs were found
these, 2 teenagers (0.7%) became pregnant to be more effective. Teenage girls who
below14 years, 26(9%) were in the age abused alcohol were 7 times more likely to
group of 14-16 years, and the most, experience teenage pregnancy compared
46(15.9%) were in the age group of 17-19 to teenage girls who never took alcohol
years. In this study, individual factors (OR=7.07:95%CI,1.15-23.73: P=0.015). In
statistically significantly associated with this Study, being in an intimate
teenage pregnancy in the model at 5% level relationship was found not to be
were poor use of contraceptives and statistically significantly associated with
alcohol abuse. Teenage girls who never teenage pregnancy in the model at 5%
used any contraceptives were 6 times more level. However, the study revealed that
likely to experience teenage pregnancy teenage girls who had been in an intimate
compared to teenage girls who used relationship for more than 2 years were 1.9
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times more likely to experience teenage 2 years (OR=1.9: 95%CI,0.21-24.865:
pregnancy compared to teenage girls who P=0.26).
had been in an intimate relationship for 1-
Table 2: showing Individual factors influencing teenage pregnancy among teenage
mothers attending antenatal care at Fort portal regional referral hospital in Kabarole
district.
Variable Frequency Pregnancy No pregnancy OR (95% CI) P-
(%) n=74(25.7%) n=214(74.3%) Values

Know any modern contraceptives

Yes 288(100%) 74(25.7%) 214(74.3%) - 0.99
No 0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) Ref
Used any modern contraceptives
Yes 158(54.9%) 15 (9.5%) 143 (90.5%) Ref -
No 130(45.1%) 59 (45.4%) 71 (54.6%) 6.01 (3.922-12.070) 0.000
Types of contraceptives used (n=158)
Injectable 19(6.6%) 0(0%) 19 (100%) 1 1
Oral pills 30(17.4%) 1(3.3%) 29 (96.7%) Ref -
Implants 9(3.1%) 0(0%) 9(100%) 1 -
IUDs 14(4.9%) 0(0%) 14(100%) 1 -
condoms 122(49.3%) 14(11.5%) 108 (88.5%) 4.29 (1.731 -13.275) 0.009
Alcohol Intake
Never 59(20.5%) 5(8.5%) 54(91.5%) Ref -
Regularly 71(24.6%) 40 (56.3%) 31 (43.7%) 7.07(1.15-23.73) 0.015
Rarely 158(54.9%) 29(18.4%) 129 (81.6%) 2.26(0.94-11.36) 0.061
In intimate
relationship 197(68.4%) 49 (24.9%) 148 (75.1%) 0.98(0.105-17.603) 0. 89
Yes
No 91(31.6%) 25 (27.5%) 66 (72.5%) Ref
Duration in intimate relationship (n=197)

< 1year 60(20.8%) 14 (23.3%) 46 (76.7%) 1.02(0.421- 25.384) 0.997

1-2 years 72(25%) 15 (20.8%) 57(79.2%) Ref
> 2 years 65(22.6%) 20 (30.8%) 45 (69.2%) 1.9 (0.21-24.865) 0.26
Ever gotten
pregnant
Yes 74(25.7%) 74(100%) 0(0%) - -
No 214(74.3%) 0(0%) 214(100%) - -
Age of pregnancy
<14 years 2(0.7%) - - - -
14-16 years 26(9%) - - -
17-19 years 46(15.9%) - - - -

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Household based factors influencing their parent(s) were 2 times more likely to
teenage pregnancy among teenage experience teenage pregnancy compared
mothers attending antenatal care at Fort to teenage girls who stayed with their
Portal regional referral hospital in parent(s) (OR=2.35: 95%CI, 1.61-18.50:
Kabarole district. P=0.041) Teenage girls from poor
According to table 3 below, in this households were 22 times more likely to
study, household- b a s e d factors experience teenage pregnancy compared
statistically significantly associated with to teenage girls from rich households
teenage pregnancy in the model at 5% (OR=22.1: 95%CI, 0.145-24.7: P=0.003)
level were orphan hood, low- i n c o m e Teenage girls from middle income
status (poverty), lack of parental guidance households were 9 times more likely to
and teenage girls not staying with their experience teenage pregnancy compared
parents. Orphans were 2.7 times more to teenage girls from rich households
likely to experience teenage pregnancy (OR=9.4: 95%CI,1.45-23.16: P=0.021)
compared to teenage girls who had both Teenage girls who lacked parental
parents (OR=2.76: 95%CI, 2.05-16.95: guidance were 2.6 times more likely to
P=0.031) Double orphans were 2 times experience teenage pregnancy compared
more likely to experience teenage to teenage girls who received parental
pregnancy compared to single orphans guidance(OR=2.65: 95%CI, 0.98 - 14.78:
(OR=2.12: 95%CI, 0.84-37.05: P=0.001) P=0.038).
Teenage girls who were not staying with
Table 3showing Household based factors influencing teenage pregnancy among teenage
mothers attending antenatal care at Fort Portal regional referral hospital in Kabarole
district.
Variable Frequency (%) Pregnancy No pregnancy OR (95% CI) P-Values
n=74(25.7%) n=214(74.3%)
Have both parents
Yes 194(67.4%) 34(17.5%) 160(82.5%) ref
No 94(32.6%) 40(42.6%) 54(57.4%) 2.76(2.05-16.95) 0.031
Type of orphan
(n=94) 61(21.2%) 20(32.8%) 41(67.2%) ref
Single Orphan
Double orphan 33(11.4%) 20(60.6%) 13(39.4%) 2.12(0.84-37.05) 0.001
Stay with parent(s)
Yes 201(69.8%) 40(19.9%) 161(80.1%) ref
No 87(30.2%) 34(39.1%) 53(60.9%) 2.35(1.61-18.50) 0.041
History of domestic or sexual violence
Yes 76(26.4%) 29(38.2%) 47(61.8%) 1.84(0.452-19.24) 0.490

No 212(73.6%) 45(21.2%) 167(78.8%) Ref

Income status
Poor 112(38.9%) 48 (42.9%) 64(57.1%) 22.1(0.145-24.7) 0.003
Medium income 128(44.4%) 25 (19.5%) 103(80.5%) 9.4(1.45-23.16) 0.021
Rich 48(16.7%) 1 (2.1%) 47(97.9) Ref
Parental guidance
Yes 186(64.6%) 32 (17.2%) 154 (82.7%) Ref
No 102(35.4%) 42 (41.2%) 60 (58.8%) 2.65 (0.98 -14.78) 0.038

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Community based factors influencing teenage pregnancy compared to teenage
teenage pregnancy among teenage girls who didn’t (OR=5.73: 95%CI, 4.105-
mothers attending antenatal care at Fort 12.603: P=0.002) Teenage girls who lacked
Portal regional referral hospital in access to Reproductive health services
Kabarole district. were 1.7 times more likely to experience
Study findings according to table 4 below teenage pregnancy compared to teenage
indicate that Community based factors girls who had access to Reproductive
statistically significantly associated with health services (OR=1.73: 95%CI,1.125-
teenage pregnancy among teenage 18.603: P=0.041) Teenage girls were asked
mothers attending antenatal care at Fort Cultural norms in their communities that
Portal regional referral hospital in led to teenage pregnancies, 141(48.9%)
Kabarole district in the model at 5% level suggested early marriages, 38(13.2%)
were peer influence, watching stated arranged marriages and 47(16.3%)
pornographic content, limited access to stated forced sex with witch doctors in
Reproductive health services and cultural guise of healing certain diseases. Teenage
norms. Teenage girls who had sex due to girls who had such cultural norms in their
peer influence were 2 times more likely to communities were 4 times more likely to
experience teenage pregnancy compared experience teenage pregnancy compared to
to teenage girls who didn’t (OR=2.01: teenage girls who lived in communities
95%CI, 0 .633-11.39): P=0.043) Teenage with no such cultural norms (OR=4.41:
girls who watched pornographic videos 95%CI,0.51-8.59: P=0.009).
were 5 times more likely to experience
DISCUSSION
Individual factors influencing teenage had taught these teens how to deal with
pregnancy among teenage mothers this pressure or to say "no". Fear of
attending antenatal care at Fort portal asserting oneself and fear of rejection is
regional referral hospital in Kabarole very common among young people [11].
district. Teenage girls who abused alcohol were 7
Teenage girls who never used any times more likely to experience teenage
contraceptives were 6 times more likely to pregnancy compared to teenage girls who
experience teenage pregnancy compared never took alcohol. Lack of discipline and
to teenage girls who used modern control due to alcohol and substance
contraceptives. Lack of sufficient abuse accompanied by unrestricted
knowledge of the preventive measures, not interaction with the opposite sex can ignite
using birth control devices or failing at the sparks of lust and passion in
times are also reasons for teenage youngsters very easily ultimately leading
pregnancy. Most authors agree that one of to early sex and teenage pregnancy. In a
the factors in teenage pregnancy is related study, it was revealed that teenage
resistance to contraception. Resistance to pregnancy and birth is often associated
contraception takes one of two forms: with alcohol and drugs. Some studies show
either no contraceptive is used or a that teenage drinking, alcohol and
contraceptive is used improperly [8]. In substance usage/abuse can cause an
another study, according to [9], lack of unexpected pregnancy, according to the
self-esteem and self-confidence leads website Love to Know. Many teens
teenagers to consent to unprotected sex. experiment with drugs and alcohol.
Most often, the young woman fears that Drinking lowers a teen's ability to control
she will be rejected by her partner if she her impulses thus contributing to 75% of
refuses to have unprotected sex or insists pregnancies that occur between the ages of
that he uses a condom. However, it should 14 and 21 [11].
not be forgotten that in some cases, it may Teenage girls who had been in an
be the young man who is afraid to bring up intimate relationship for more than 2
the subject of contraception with his years were 1.9 times more likely to
partner. Some teens have said to be experience teenage pregnancy compared
pressured into having sex with their to teenage girls who had been in an
boyfriends at a young age and yet no one intimate relationship for 1-2 years. This
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is because at times, being in long term become pregnant before they attain
relationships when still young also leads to womanhood. The social economic factor is
pregnancy as precautions may not be clearly spelled out as teenage girls who
taken in such a situation. A study by [9] belong to poor families are more likely to
revealed similar findings. This is because become pregnant. In related studies,
it is usually believed that there’s a bond researchers have found out that even in
and sense of trust built between the developed countries, teenage pregnancy
partners thus no need to keep on using occurs mostly among the deprived
protective measures especially condoms sections of families. Most young women
(Apanga, and Adam, 2015). live in poverty and are always under peer
Household based factors influencing pressure which often forces them to turn
teenage pregnancy among teenage to sex in exchange for gifts [14]. Teenage
mothers attending antenatal care at Fort girls who lacked parental guidance were
Portal regional referral hospital in 2.6 times more likely to experience
Kabarole district. teenage pregnancy compared to teenage
Orphans were 2.7 times more likely to girls who received parental guidance. It is
experience teenage pregnancy compared common in Uganda for most parents to
to teenage girls who had both parents. evade their children from talking about
Double orphans were 2 times more likely sex. In some cases, they provide false
to experience teenage pregnancy compared information regarding sex and discourage
to single orphans. This is attributed tolack their children from indulging or
the required supervision by parents and participating in informative discussions
are also susceptible to sexual abuse. about sex. Sometimes teenage mothers are
According to a report “Improving Sexual not well educated about sex before getting
and Reproductive Health Rights for out of pregnant and this leads to lack of
School Young People” by Dr. Stella Neema communication between the parents and
from Makerere Institute of Social Research, the children. In a related study by [15], it
orphan hood leads to early sexual behavior was revealed that lack of awareness about
as young girls start living on their own at the causes and effects of teenage
an early age [13]. Teenage girls who were pregnancy is more often than not, a result
not staying with their parent(s) were 2 of lack of proper communication between
times more likely to experience teenage teenagers and their parents. Therefore, it
pregnancy compared to teenage girls who is the duty of the parents to impart
stayed with their parent(s). This is because adequate sex education and education
when a teen does not feel that she can talk regarding reproductive health to their
to her parents about sex either because adolescent sons and daughters so that
they forbid sex talk or because they are not their children become aware of the various
around, she will likely turn to friends for aspects related to teenage sex and
direction on whether or not to have sex, pregnancy [16].
resulting in misinformation and possible Community based factors influencing
teen pregnancy. Teen girls with absentee teenage pregnancy among teenage
parents are more likely to get pregnant if mothers attending antenatal care at Fort
they have limited or no guidance from Portal regional referral hospital in
their parents. Many parents have busy Kabarole district.
lives that prevent them from providing the 28.8% of the teenagers had had sex due to
guidance and support that their young peer influence. Teenage girls who had sex
teenagers need to make good decisions on due to peer influence were 2 times more
issues such as [9]. Teenage girls from poor likely to experience teenage pregnancy
households were 22 times more likely to compared to teenage girls who didn’t.
experience teenage pregnancy compared During adolescence, teenagers often feel
to teenage girls from rich households. A pressure to make friends and fit in with
high level of poverty for instance financial their peers. Many times these teens let
constraints renders some young girls their friends influence their decision to
liable to exploitation by older men. Girls have sex even when they do not fully
who date older men are more likely to understand the consequences associated
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with the act. Teenagers have sex as a way services. Shortages in condoms and other
to appear cool and sophisticated but, in reproductive health services were
some cases, the end result is an unplanned identified as another cause of teenage
teen pregnancy. The Kaiser Family pregnancies. Lack of such services hinder
Foundation states that more than 29% of the education of teenage girls about the
pregnant teens reported that they felt dangers of early pregnancies and how to
pressured to have sex and 33 percent of avoid them. According to a Joint Action
pregnant teens stated that they felt that Plan by the Ugandan Government and the
they were not ready for a sexual United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA),
relationship but proceeded anyway only 38% of young women and 55% of
because they feared ridicule or rejection young men in Uganda say they used a
[17]. Teenage girls who watched condom the last time they had sex,
pornographic videos were 5 times more according to UNICEF’s most recent
likely to experience teenage pregnancy statistics [18] On cultural norms in
compared to teenage girls who didn’t. The communities that lead to teenage
movie industry and the media contribute pregnancies, 48.9% confirmed early
to teenage pregnancy by glamorizing teen marriages, 13.2% stated arranged
pregnancy in news stories and movies. marriages and 16.3% stated forced sex with
Movies that depict teen pregnancy as witch doctors in guise of healing certain
something to be desired encourage teens diseases. Teenage girls who had such
to engage in reckless sexual activity. cultural norms in their communities were
During adolescence, teens become more 4 times more likely to experience teenage
focused on their appearance and how their pregnancy compared to teenage girls who
peers perceive them. They want to be seen lived in communities with no such cultural
as part of the group, so if teen pregnancy norms. In a 2014 study by Cho and Lee, it
is viewed as acceptable in their school or was revealed that some cultural norms
amongst their friends, they may seek to have led to teenage pregnancy. Many
become pregnant as a way to gain social societies still look at girls as sources of
acceptance [9]. wealth and they end up forcing them into
Teenage girls who lacked access to early marriages. Some people have
Reproductive health services were 1.7 perceptions that sleeping with virgin girls
times more likely to experience teenage help heal certain diseases such as HIV
pregnancy compared to teenage girls who which leads to defilements [19]-[24].
had access to Reproductive health
CONCLUSION
Not using contraception, regularly taking and alcohol abuse, poverty, lack of
alcohol were the most common parental guidance, limited access to
individual factors influencing teenage Reproductive health services and early
pregnancy. Being an orphan, lack of marriages contributed to this high
parental guidance and low socio- incidence. There is need to improve
economic status were the household specific knowledge about reproductive
based factors that strongly and health on a wide range and address related
importantly influenced teenage concerns of teenage pregnancies. The
pregnancy. Peer influence, watching government of Uganda needs to establish
pornographic videos, lack of access of more Centers especially in rural areas so as
reproductive health services and cultural to curb the problem of limited access to
norms were the most influencing factors in Reproductive health services. The
the community. Government of Uganda needs to regulate
Recommendations alcohol and drug abuse among teenagers
The incidence of teenage pregnancy was as by limiting access to alcohol and drugs.
high as (25.7%), poor use of contraceptives

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Apili
INOSR APPLIED SCIENCES 11(1):13-24, 2023
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CITE AS: Apili Everlyne (2023). Influential Elements Impacting Adolescent Pregnancy in
Teen Mothers Seeking Antenatal Care at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital, Kabarole
District. INOSR APPLIED SCIENCES 11(1):13-24. https://doi.org/10.59298/INOSRAS/2023/2.6.4000

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