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.