Publications

Teenage pregnancy remains a pressing global concern, impacting public health anddevelopment on multiple fronts. This study focused on probing the specific factorscontributing to teenage pregnancy in Kirumya sub-county, Bundibugyo District, in westernUganda. Its objectives centered on determining the prevalence of teenage pregnancy,identifying key contributing factors, and highlighting the challenges faced by adolescentscontending with early pregnancies. Engaging fifty teenage mothers and drawing insightsfrom ten key informants, the study employed face-to-face individual interviews and FocusGroup Discussions (FGDs) for data collection. The research uncovered an alarmingprevalence of teenage pregnancy, estimated at 30-40%, surpassing the national average of25%. Several interconnected factors drove this heightened incidence, including inadequateparental guidance, limited educational opportunities for teenagers, negative culturalnorms, challenging socio-economic conditions, insufficient access to youth-friendlyservices and contraceptives, and a dearth of supportive environments for proper childrearing and development. Furthermore, the study shed light on the significant challengesfaced by teenage mothers, encompassing the weight of childcare responsibilities, parentaldiscrimination, and a lack of spousal support. In summary, the study revealed thepronounced prevalence of teenage pregnancy in Bundibugyo District, largely stemmingfrom social, cultural, and institutional factors. Its recommendations advocate collaborativeefforts among government entities, NGOs, schools, and parents, emphasizing improved sexeducation, enhanced accessibility to youth-friendly services, and the establishment ofcomprehensive social, economic, and psychological support networks for teenage mothersnavigating this intricate landscape.Keywords: teenage pregnancy, associated factors, women.