Publication:

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

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.