Publications

Research outputs, reports, policy briefs and knowledge products from KIU scholars and partners.

2024 Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry IDOSR JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY AND PHARMACY

Addressing the Complexities of Teenage Pregnancy: Insights from a Study in Lira District, Uganda

Otukei Godfrey Francis

Teenage pregnancy persists as a global public health challenge with profound implications for maternal and childwell-being, particularly in low-resource settings. This study investigates the prevalence, determinants, andimplications of teenage pregnancies in Lira District, Uganda. Employing a cross-sectional quantitative approach,data was collected from 106 pregnant mothers aged 12-19 attending antenatal care services. Findings reveal that amajority of respondents fall within the 12-19 age range, with significant proportions having attained only primaryeducation and being married. Factors contributing to early pregnancies include peer pressure and financialconstraints. Moreover, respondents express awareness of risks such as vaginal tears and maternal mortalityduring delivery. These findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive interventions addressing socioeconomicdisparities, enhancing access to education and healthcare, and promoting reproductive health education.By elucidating the complexities surrounding teenage pregnancies in a resource-constrained context, this studycontributes valuable insights to inform targeted strategies aimed at reducing the burden of teenage pregnanciesand improving the health outcomes of adolescent mothers and their offspring.Keywords: Prevalence, Teenage Pregnancy, Mothers, Antenatal Care, Regional Hospital