The Effect of Teenage Pregnancies on the Health and Socio-Economic Lives of Teenage Mothers Attending Antenatal Care at Kiryandongo Hospital, Kiryandongo District, Uganda

Namyalo Moureen

Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Kampala International University Western Campus Uganda

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

CITE AS: Namyalo Moureen (2024). The Effect of Teenage Pregnancies on the Health and Socio-Economic Lives of Teenage Mothers Attending Antenatal Care at Kiryandongo Hospital, Kiryandongo District, Uganda. IDOSR JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY, BIOTECHNOLOGY AND ALLIED FIELDS 9(1):63-77. https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSR/JBBAF/24/91.6377