Abstract

This study examines the complex impacts of adolescent pregnancies on the socioeconomic status and general health
of adolescent mothers receiving antenatal care at Kiryandongo Hospital in Kiryandongo District, Uganda. Uganda
is not an exception to the global public health challenge that teenage pregnancy poses, especially in sub-Saharan
Africa. The implications for the moms and their children continue to exist despite efforts to address this issue, which
presents obstacles to their general well-being and the advancement of society. A mixed-methods approach was used
to gather data from a sample of young mothers receiving prenatal care at Kiryandongo Hospital. The data collection
methods included quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. While the qualitative component examined the
socioeconomic ramifications and real-world experiences of teenage pregnancy, the quantitative component
comprised gathering demographic data and evaluating maternal and child health indices. According to preliminary
research, teenage pregnancies significantly worsen the health of expectant mothers and their newborns, as there is
a higher chance of difficulties during pregnancy and labour. Adolescent moms also confront additional difficulties
that impede their ability to grow personally and gain economic empowerment, such as limited access to education,
job possibilities, and financial resources. This study emphasises how urgently Kiryandongo District young moms
need support and extensive initiatives aimed at preventing teenage pregnancies. Policymakers and healthcare
providers can create specialised programmes to lessen the negative impacts of teenage pregnancies, improve
maternal and child health, and enable young mothers to attain better life outcomes by tackling the intersecting
health and socioeconomic determinants.
Keywords: Teenage pregnancies, socioeconomic status, general health, antenatal care and Kiryandongo Hospital