Determinants and outcomes of teenage pregnancy in Uganda: a case study of Hoima

Leonard Ssebwami; Ivan Paul Kato; David  Jjagwe; Rony Bahatungire; John Zimula; Richardson Okullo; Moses Opeto; Geoffrey Ofumbi Oburu; Fred Tibwita; Nathern Bagonza; John Oryem

doi:10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20260536

Authors

Leonard Ssebwami Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Hoima, Uganda; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kampala International University Western Campus, Bushenyi, Uganda https://orcid.org/0009-0000-9443-8684
Ivan Paul Kato Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kampala International University Western Campus, Bushenyi, Uganda; Department of obstetrics and Gynaecology, Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, Gulu, Uganda
David Jjagwe Department of Public Health, School of Graduate studies, Bugema Univesity, Uganda.
Rony Bahatungire Department of Clinical Services, Ministry of Health Headquarters, Kampala, Uganda
John Zimula Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Hoima, Uganda; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kampala International University Western Campus, Bushenyi, Uganda
Richardson Okullo Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Hoima, Uganda; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kampala International University Western Campus, Bushenyi, Uganda
Moses Opeto Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Hoima, Uganda; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kampala International University Western Campus, Bushenyi, Uganda
Geoffrey Ofumbi Oburu Department of Peadiatrics and Child Health, Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Hoima, Uganda 7Department of Peadiatrics and Child Health, Kampala International University Western Campus, Bushenyi, Uganda
Fred Tibwita Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Hoima, Uganda; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kampala International University Western Campus, Bushenyi, Uganda
Nathern Bagonza Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Hoima, Uganda; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kampala International University Western Campus, Bushenyi, Uganda
John Oryem Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Hoima, Uganda; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kampala International University Western Campus, Bushenyi, Uganda

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20260536

Keywords:

Adolescent, Adolescent pregnancy, Early pregnancy, Teenager, Teenage pregnancy

Abstract

Background: Uganda has one of the highest rates of teenage pregnancy in the world at 25%, more than twice the global estimate of 11% of all births. A remarkable number of girls start childbearing at a very early age in Uganda and is an overwhelming growing public health issue with enormous contribution to high maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from June to August 2025 involving 326 women delivering at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital (HRRH), western Uganda. Interviewer administered questionnaires were used to obtain data. Descriptive statistics, binary logistic regression and chi-square analyses were utilized to elucidate the determinants of teenage pregnancy using IBM SPSS 24. Variables in final multivariate model were significant when p<0.05. The measure of association was reported as odds ratios with corresponding 95% confidence interval and p-value.

Results: Of the 326 women who delivered at HRRH during the study period, 87(27%) had teenage pregnancy. High level of education (AOR=0.2, 95%CI: 0.84-0.92, p=0.037; AOR=0.3, 95%CI: 0.12-0.58, p=0.001]), and good income status (AOR=0.4, 95%CI=0.15-0.96; p=0.040) were protective of teenage pregnancy. Early marriage and lack of awareness about contraception were associated with high odds for teenage pregnancy, (AOR=3.8, 95%CI=1.39-10.15; p=0.009) and (AOR=3.8, 95%CI=1.94-7.34; p=0.000) respectively.

Conclusions: The prevalence of teenage pregnancy in Hoima is alarming, compared to regional and global figures. Girl education, improved income status, discouraging early marriages and promoting awareness on use of contraception are essential in preventing teenage pregnancy in Hoima and its catchment areas.

Author Biography

David Jjagwe, Department of Public Health, School of Graduate studies, Bugema Univesity, Uganda.

Department of Public Health, School of Graduate studies, Bugema Univesity, Uganda.

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