Factors Contributing to the Prevalence of Adolescent Pregnancy in Pajulu Sub County, Arua District

Abstract

Introduction and problem: Adolescent pregnancy is a public health concern in both developed and developing countries. Globally, it affects more than 16 million girls and young women .It is estimated that about 11% of births worldwide are to adolescents aged 15-19 years, more than 90% of which occur in low and middle income countries (WHO, 2014). Adolescent pregnancy is a concern in Uganda despite the endless efforts put in place by Ministry of Health and the other health stakeholders to reduce and stop it. This study focused on assessing factors contributing to adolescent pregnancy in Pajulu Sub-county, Arua district. Objectives: To assess the health service related, individual, and social cultural factors contributing to the prevalence of adolescent pregnancy in Pajulu Sub-county, Arua district. Methodology: The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional research design involving both qualitative and quantitative approaches. It was conducted in Pajulu Sub-county, Arua district, West Nile region among adolescent girls, adolescent mothers and pregnant adolescents aged between 12 to 19 years, and some key informants in the community. Results: The prevalence of teenage pregnancy in Pajulu Sub County was found to be 22.7%. Negative attitude of the health workers, lack of adolescent specific S/RH services, contraceptive nonuse, peer pressure, alcohol, cultural norms, family neglect, adolescent’s education level, and adolescent’s poor social status were found to be significantly associated with adolescent pregnancy. Conclusions and recommendations: The relatively high prevalence of adolescent pregnancy and the factors contributing to it pose a task for all stakeholders in the communities and nationwide to work towards addressing the problem. Therefore parents, community members, schools, and health workers are recommended to adopt a culture of discussing sexual and reproductive health issues, advocating for abstinence and where necessary, contraception be made open and accepted without stigma.