Teenage Pregancy In Kisozi Subcounty, Kamuli District

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this research report was to assess the effects of increasing teenage

pregnancy on girls in Kisozi sub county, Kamuli District. The study was guided by four

specific objectives which included; to identify the prevalence of teenage pregnancy in

Kisozi sub county, Kamuli District; to assess the causes of teenage pregnancy in Kisozi

sub-county, Kamuli District; to establish the effects of teenage pregnancy in Kisozi sub

county, Kamuli district and to come up with possible measures on the causes of teenage

pregnancy in Kamuli district. The study used descriptive design which was explanatory in

nature and it was based on quantitative and qualitative approaches. It covered a sample of

forty (40) respondents. The data instruments used were the questionnaires, observation and

interviews. Findings revealed that the prevalence of teenage pregnancy is high in Kisozi

subcounty with its causes being early marriages, child abuse, poverty, peer pressure and poor

parenting. The effects of the problem were increased maternal and infant mortality due to

lack of pre and post-antenatal care, school dropout and illiteracy. Measures to curb down

teenage pregnancy were to put more emphasis on the importance of abstinence, promotion of sex education to both young boys and girls, use of contraceptives, and enforcement of strict laws to people abusing children rights. The study concluded and recommended that parents should not be too harsh on teenagers but they should be approachable so as the children can confide with them whenever there is a pressure from peers. Teenagers should be enlighten about the consequence of engaging in sex at the early stage of their lives and parents should stand at best to meet the needs of the teenage child.