RISKY SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR AND THE PREVALENCE OF TEENAGEPREGNANCY IN

LUZIRA PARISH, KAMPALA DISTRICT

OJAN RONALD

UAHEB/051/102/13

A RESEARCH REPORT SUBMITTED TO UGANDA ALLIED HEALTH EXAMINATIONS

BOARD IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF A REQUIREMENT FOR A DIPLOMA IN CLINCAL

MEDICINE AND COMMUNITY HEALTH

KAMPALA SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCE

P.O BOX 14263, RUBAGA, KAMPALA

UGANDA.

March, 2016
DECLARATION:

I OJAN RONALD declare that this research report is my original work with the exceptions of

the references quoted or made and has never at any one time been submitted or made elsewhere

for any award of degree diploma or masters I any university or institution before.

OJAN RONALD

UAHEB/051/102/13

Signed……………………

Date………………………

RESEACHER
APPROVAL

This research report is now ready for examination with my approval as the supervisor of Ojan

Ronald. I hereby certify that this study report under the topic: RISKY SEXUAL BEHAVIOR

AND THE PREVALENCY OF TEENAGE PREGNANCY IN LUZIRA PARISH,

KAMPALA DISTRICT was under my supervision as lecturer at Kampala School of Health

Sciences.

Signed……………………………..

Date: ………………………………

MR. ATUKUUMA CLIFFE

SUPERVISOR
DEDICATION

This research project is dedicated to my parents, Bongo Eddy, Ayo Alice and Bongo Doreen in

honour of their investment in my education and the genuine interest that they continued to show

in my academic endeavours despite their economic struggles during my 3 year study. May God

bless you abundantly and fulfill your hearts‟ desires.

I also dedicate this research to my brothers, Owera Kenneth and Tinka Trinny, thank you for all

the physical and financial support.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First and foremost, I would like to thank the almighty God for the sufficient grace which has

sustained me all this far.

Secondly I also thank my parents for the support they have rendered to me from the beginning of

this course.

My special thanks and gratitude go to my supervisor, Mr. Atukuma Cliff for the patience and

invaluable guidance towards the development of a script of this nature.

I would also like to thank the entire community of Kampala School of Health Sciences for all

support they gave me during my stay at the institution, and their contribution towards the

development of this study report.

Special thanks also goes to my friends Kalungi Vincent, Hatangimana Wilberforce, Omara

Vincent, Nantale Sophie, Peninah Lucy Ayugi, Kyaterekera Joseph, Chirsmsass Nicholas, and all

students with whom I shared a supervisor for the encouragement and all forms of support. Their

support has made this project this fruitful.

I would also like to be grateful to the administrative team of Luzira parish who were exclusively

receptive during the time that I was with them, for all the guidance that they offered to me when

I was with them. God bless you abundantly.

List of tables page

Table 4.1.1: showing the distribution of respondents……..…...…..………………………..…...17

Table 4.1.2: showing the distribution of respondent‟s age at first sexual intercourse…………...18

Table 4.1.3: showing the distribution of usage of alcohol or any other drug prior to sexual

intercourse that led to pregnancy………………………...………………………...19

Table 4.1.4: showing the distribution of condom use and other reproductive health services prior

to conception……………………………………………………………………..20

Table 4.1.5: showing different contraceptive methods being used prior to conception…………20

Table 4.2.1: Showing the respondents‟ engagement in sexual intercourse at free will………….21

Table 4.2.2: showing respondents‟ response to having had planned sexual intercourse………...22

Table 4.2.3: showing whether respondents had sex education prior to their conception………..22

Table 4.3: showing the other factors that contributed to the prevalence of teenage

pregnancy……………………………………………………………………………..23
List of figures page

Figure 4.1. A graph showing the respondent educational level before and at the time of the

research study. ………………………………………..…………………………….18

Figure 4.2 A graph showing the number of sexual partners before conception........................19

Figure 4.2.1 A pie chart showing the influence of peers in respondents‟ sexual

engagement……….……………………..………………………………………....21
TABLE OF CONTENTS

a. Declaration…………………………………………………………………………………i

b. Approval…………………………………………………………………………………..ii

c. Dedication………………………………………………………………………………...iii

d. Acknowledgement………………………………………………………………………..iv

e. list of table…………………………………………………………………………………v

f. list of figures……………………………………………………………………………...vi

g. Table of contents………………………………………...……………………………….vii

h. Acronyms and abbreviations………………….……….………...………………………xii

i. operational terms………………..…………..…..……………...……………….............xiii

j. Abstract……………………………………………………………………………….…xiv

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.0 Introduction…………………………..………………………………..………………………1

1.1 Background……………...………..….………………….…………….………...…………….1

1.2 problem statement,……...……...…………………...…..….………………...………………..3

1.3 purpose of the study ……….……………………………………………………………..…...4

1.4 objectives of the study……….………………………………..………………………………4

1.5 research questions…………….………………………………………...……………………..5

1.6 scope of the study…………….………………………………………..………….…………..5

1.7 significance of the study……….…………………………………………...…………..……13

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0. introduction……………………….…..…...…….……………………………………………6

2.1 The concept of teenage /adolescence…………………………………………………..……. 7

2.2 indicators of risky sexual behaviour…………………………………………………………..7

2.3 Decision making of adolescence………………...………………………………………...… 7

2.4 The concept of teenage pregnancy…………………………………………………..……… 10

2.4.1 The indicators of teenage pregnancy………………….……...……….………………….. 10

2.6 The factors contributing to teenage pregnancy………………………………………………19

CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLLOGY

3.0. Introduction…...……………………...…...………………………………………...….……13

3.1.Research design…………………………..…………………………………………….…....14

3.2 Study setting……………………………..…………………………………………………..14

3.3 The population and sample of the study...…………………………………………………...14

3.4 Sample size determination…………………………………………………………………...14

3.5 Sampling technique… …………………….…………………………………...…………..14

3.6 Inclusion criteria……………………………………………………………………………..15

3.7 Definition of variables ………………...………………………………………...…………..15

3.8 Data collection methods……………………………………………………………………..16

3.9 Data collection procedure……………………………………………………………………16

3.10 Data management ……………………………………………………………………….. 16

3.11 Data analysis……………………………………...………………………………...………16

3.12 Ethical consideration………………………………..………………………………………16

3.13 Limitations of the study……………………………………………...……………………..16

3.14 Dissemination of results……………………………………………....…………………….17

CHAPTER 4

4.0 introduction……………………………………………………..……………………………………..18

4.1.Demographic characteristics of respondents.…………...…………………………………...19

4.2.Findings on the risky sexual behaviour practiced by adolescents………..…………………22

4.3. Findings on teenagers decision making with respect to risky sexual

behaviour.................................................................................................................................22

4.4.Findings on the other factors that have led to prevalence of teenage pregnancy in

Parish…………………………………………………………………………………………24

4.5.Discussion……………………………………………………………………………………27

CHAPTER 5

5.1 Recommendations

5.1.1 Recommendations from pregnant teenagers and young mothers towards the improvement

of sexual behaviour of female youth……………………………………………………..30

5.1.2 Recommendations from pregnant teenagers and young mothers towards the reduction of

the prevalence of teenage pregnancy in Luzira parish, Kampala district……………31

5.1.2.1 to fellow female teenagers……………………………………………………………….31

5.1.2.2. To parents/guardians of female teenagers……………………………………………….32

5.1.2.3. To government…………………………………………………………………………..33

5.2 CONCLUSIONS

Conclusions on other factors that have led to the prevalence of teenage pregnancy in luzira parish

Kampala district…………………………………………………………………………………35

References…………………………………….……………………………..…………………...36

Appendix I: consent form…………………………………………………..……………………39

Appendix II: questionnaire………………………………………………………..……………..40

Appendix III: budget summary………………………………………………………………….48

Appendix IV: work plan…………………………………………………………………………49

Appendix v: map showing area of the study…………………………………………………….50

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

CDC : Centre for Disease Control and prevention

HIV : Human immune deficiency syndrome

ICPD : International centre on population and development

STI : Sexually transmitted infections

UBOS : Uganda Bureau of Standards

UDHS : Uganda demographic and health survey

UNESCO : United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

UNFPA : United Nations Population Fund

URN : Uganda Radio Network

WHO : World Health Organization

OPERATIONAL TERMS

TEENAGER: a young person between the ages 13-19

ADOLESCENCE: This is a transitional stage of physical and psychological human

development that generally occurs during the period from puberty to legal

adulthood

PUBERTY: A stage of human development commonly occurring in adolescence

during which an individual‟s body undergoes sexual maturation,

reproductive organs develop and become fully functional and individuals

also grow in height and body composition will change (Teen health 2008)

HALEY EFFECT: When teenagers are mulling over what is wrong or right, safety or danger,

they take into account what others do or think

ABSTRACT

Risky sexual behaviour carries a number of aversive outcomes including unplanned pregnancies,

HIV infection, and STIs. Past research has shown adolescents in particular are at a high risk for

these negative consequences. This study adopted to examine the risky sexual behaviour and the

prevalence of teenage pregnancy among teenagers in Luzira parish, Kampala district. Sixty seven

adolescents whose age ranged from 11 to 22 were drawn using purposive sampling technique.

The data collection method was questionnaire, with open and close ended questions were used

for data collection in which risky sexual behaviour, decision making which had a great impact on

the teenagers‟ sexual behaviour and other factors that contribute to teenage pregnancy were

examined. Data was counted by tallying using a pen and A4 sheets papers. The results were

entered in a computer and analyzed, to generate percentages that were presented in tables, bar

graphs, and pie charts. It was evident that several of risky sexual behaviour among teenagers had

a high prediction on the prevalence of teenage pregnancy in this selected area. The need for sex

education centers, as well as need for Counselors not forgetting parents‟ intervention in the

proper management of the girl child so as to incorporate these variables into activities to delay

sexual debut by adolescents was implied from this outcome.

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.0 INTRODUCTION

This chapter includes the introduction of the research report, the background, the problem

statement, the purpose of the research, objectives of the study, the research questions, and the

scope of the research and the significance of the research.

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Risky sexual behaviour is defined as behaviour that increases one‟s risks of contracting sexually

transmitted diseases and experiencing unintended pregnancies. They include;

Too early initiation of sexual activity

Multiple sexual partner and sexual intercourse with a partner

Sexual intercourse without the use of contraception

Having sex under the influence of alcohol

In spite of the commitment made in the program for action 1994 by the international Centre on

population and development(ICPD), sexual and reproductive health of this age group still remain

poorly understood and inadequately looked at and hence underserved. This neglect has far

reaching impacts on the lives of teenagers which is evident in the global burden of disease.

Young people more than 20% comprise of the total population of the sub-Saharan Africa and

there is a wide range of empirical evidence that has highlighted the prevalence of risky sexual

behaviour among teenagers.

The risky sexual behaviour are a major contributor to teenage pregnancy in the world today.

Between 14-15 million girls and young women give birth each year accounting for 10% of the

births in the world (WHO 2006)

According to the state of the world population 2013 by United Nations Population Fund

(UNFPA), every 20000 girls under the age of 18 give birth and 95% of these occur in developing

countries. In 2014, the World Health Organization reported that 11% of all births were due

women aged 15-19 (WHO 2014)

According to a report by UNFPA 2013, sub-Saharan Africa has the highest prevalence of

teenage pregnancy in the world, which is in line with Loaiza‟s report that majority of countries

with teenage pregnancy levels above 30% occur in sub-Saharan Africa. (Loaiza & Liang 2013)

It is also evident that high rates ranged from 150 or higher to less than 50 births per 1000 women

of ages 15-19 in the sub-continent with East Africa having 16.3% by 2011(Clifton & Hervish

2013)

Currently Uganda has one of the highest teenage pregnancies in Africa with one of every four

pregnancies occurring in teenagers.23% of young girls having had their first sexual intercourse

before the age of 15 and 64% before the age of 18.

The Uganda Demographic and Health Survey 2011 recorded that about 14%of young women

had their sexual intercourse before the age of 15 while 57% of young women had their first

encounter before the age of 18. It is a pertinent theme given that Uganda has one of the highest

teenage pregnancy rates in Sub-Saharan Africa. (UDHS 2011), 24% of adolescent girls in

Uganda become pregnant before the age of 19.More so, 24% of teenagers begin child bearing

before the age of 19 years and 31% of adolescents with their first child not forgetting that

15.23% of the female youths aged 15-24 have had abortions

1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT

Recent studies have shown that teenagers are becoming more sexually active at a younger age

than in past years. Thus young people are facing a longer period of time during which they are

sexually matured and sexually active before marriage. (WHO 2006) Therefore the period of risk

of unprotected sexual activity with all its adverse consequences of unwanted pregnancy, unsafe

abortion, STIs/HIV is also increasing. (Lansford et al 2010).

Despite the fact that teenage pregnancy in Uganda has been on a steady decline, from 43% in

1995 to 31% in 2002, and now stands at 25%, this rate is still unacceptably high. This is

associated to the risky sexual behaviors among teenagers.

Teenage pregnancy is as a result of risky sexual behavior and according to previous evidence,

there is still high prevalence of these behaviors among this general population .therefore if this is

not checked may lead to the retardation of the future development of the country

1.3 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The main purpose of the study is to determine the contribution of risky sexual behaviour of

teenagers to the prevalence of teenage pregnancy in Luzira parish.

1.4 Objectives.

1. To assess the various risky sexual behaviors practiced by teenagers in Luzira parish.

2. To ascertain knowledge on teenagers decision making with respect to risky sexual

behaviour.

3. To ascertain the other factors that have led to prevalence of teenage pregnancy in Luzira

parish.
 4. To come up with recommendations to parents, guardians, policy makers, programmers

and other stakeholders for the improvement of the teenagers sexual behaviour and

consequent reduction and elimination of teenage pregnancy in Luzira parish.

1.5 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. What are the various risky sexual behaviour practiced by teenagers?

2. How have the risky sexual behaviour led to the prevalence of teenage pregnancy in

Luzira parish?

3. How has decision making among teenagers affected their sexual behaviour?

4. What are other factors that have led to the prevalence of teenage pregnancy in Luzira

parish?

5. What recommendations can be forwarded to the guardians, policy makers, programmers

and stake holders for the intervention on how to work out strategies for elimination of

teenage pregnancy in Luzira parish?

1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The scope of the study refers to the limit of the study. The scope was limited to female teenagers,

young mothers at that time

1.6.1 GEOGRAPHICAL SCOPE

The study was held in Luzira parish, one of the many parishes found in Nakawa division in

Kampala district

1.6.2 CONCEPTUAL SCOPE

The study aimed at establishing the risky sexual behaviour in Luzira parish as the independent

variable and how they have led to the prevalence of teenage pregnancy as the dependent variable
1.7 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

1. Parents, guardians policy makers, programmers and stakeholders will be able to know

how risky sexual behaviors have led to the prevalence of teenage pregnancy

2. It will help the researcher to be well informed on knowledge about risky sexual behaviors

and teenage pregnancy

3. The study will help the researcher in the attainment of a diploma in clinical medicine and

community health

4. The product of the research can help Government develop programs that are beneficial to

teenagers in order to delay sexual debut among teenagers

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Introduction.

The problem identified in this chapter is not completely a new problem .Some studies as hinted

on earlier have been done on the same problem. To get a further insight on how to deal with the

problem the researcher needs to review some of the related facts by other authors and their

opinions with written information related to the research topic. The literature review discusses

the concept of teenagers/adolescence, the various risky sexual behaviours practiced by

adolescents, the decision making of teenagers. It also covers the relevant information about

teenage pregnancy, indicators of teenage pregnancy and other factors that have contributed to the

prevalence of teenage pregnancy in Luzira parish.

2.1 The concept of adolescence/teenage.

Adolescence has been defined as the period from ten and nineteen years of age (WHO 2006). A

period of adolescence occupies a unique stage in every person‟s life. It is a period among human

beings where a lot of physiological as well as anatomical changes take place resulting in

reproductive maturity in adolescents. Many adolescents manage this transformation successfully

while others experience major stress and find themselves engaging in behaviors such as sexual

experimentation, exploration and promiscuity that place their wellbeing at risk by the time they

are 18years of age.

2.2 Specific sexual risk behaviour.

The specific sexual risk behaviour common among adolescents include:

2.2.1 Early initiation of sexual activity

The legal age of consent for heterosexual sex in Uganda is age 18. (Nalwadda et al 2010).

However adolescent initiate in sexual activity before the age of 18. A recent report by
Guttmacher research in 2013 reveals that more than one in three never married females aged 15-

24 years have had sex (Cynthia Summers, 2013)

In one paper that focused on sexual debut in out of school youths in Masaka, the 31 adolescent

participants aged 13-19 years all felt that young people began their sexual activities too early and

suggested that one of the reasons they engaged in sexual activity was that men began to pester

them to have sex as soon as they developed breasts and that their friends who received gifts for

sex also geared them to get partners. (Anne-Maree et al 2010)

2.2.2 Multiple sexual partners

Adolescent‟s sexual relationships are often of a short lifespan and unstable thus it‟s fair to

assume that many adolescents might be at risk of having multiple sexual partners as it was laid

by Blum (Blum, 2004), which is also in line with findings from Mmbaga et al (2007)

2.2.3 Having sex under the influence Alcohol and drugs usage.

Teenage pregnancy and birth is often associated with alcohol and drugs. The same report above

highlighted the large scale usage of alcohol and low or poor usage of condoms and other

contraceptives. The girl child is very vulnerable yet many reside in slum areas where all sorts of

criminals, drug users and alcoholics reside. Some said their bosses, relatives and neighbors

forced them into sex.

Teenage drinking, alcohol and substance usage/abuse can cause an unexpected pregnancy,

according to the website Love to Know. Many teens experiment with drugs and alcohol.

Drinking lowers a teen's ability to control her impulses thus contributing to 75% of pregnancies

that occur between the ages of 14 and 20. Approximately 91% of pregnant teens reported that

although they were drinking at the time, they did not originally plan to have sex when they

conceived. (Bitakalamire, 2006)

2.2.3 Sexual intercourse without the use of contraception

According to a Devika et al (2012), 18.6% of teenagers never used contraception in their last

sexual encounter. Non use contraception among Ugandan teenagers was possibly due to sexual

reproductive health policies and programmes that didn‟t favour the teenagers. The current use of

contraception among 15-19 year olds in Uganda is 6.5%.This proportion is seemingly low as

compared to the available teenagers. According to Eaton et al, (2007), in a study to assess the

contraceptive use during sexual intercourse, 39% teenagers did not use condoms at last

intercourse. Failure to use condoms consistently and properly puts adolescents at a much greater

risk of unplanned pregnancies and STI infections. Yet, 11% of these students reported four or

more sexual partners, Eaton et al, (2007)

2.3 Risky sexual behaviour and Decision making of adolescence

Teenagers are prone to making bad decisions as it's a part of the adolescence developmental

period in life. It is sometimes questionable why teens make the decisions that they do, and even

some teens look back at the decisions they make; unfortunately, often when it's too late. Today's

youth have many decisions to make and many dilemmas to face every day, including whether or

not to engage in sexual activity at a young age. "A critical issue for today's youth is developing a

healthy understanding of their sexuality, (Fantasia 2008).

According to Britanny J, 2011, teens have to make the important decisions to become involved

in sexual activity or to refrain. Positive self-esteem, problem-solving, and reasoning skills served

as probable protective factors for a variety of adolescent risk behaviours, including sexual

activity, as the findings that lower levels of problem-solving skills, health-promoting behaviors,

and education were all possible predictors of early intercourse. (Fantasia 2008).

Teenagers are generally impulsive in most activities that they do. They don't necessarily think

ahead of time why they want to do what they want do, or what the risks are, what the

consequences are. Teens sometimes just do it because they want to do it or because they cave in
to peer pressure. “A motivation for engaging in any sexual relationship is social enhancement to

gain attention or popularity, to fit in, and to show maturity" (Royer et al 2009).

Peers also have a high impact on decision making. A lot of young teenagers are still trying to

figure out who they are and most of the time they ask their friends what they are doing, or follow

in their friend's footsteps. This type of action is called the Haley Effect. This can be described as,

"when teenagers are mulling over a question of right or wrong, safety or danger, they take into

account what others do or think" (Conkle.A, 2007).

"This type of goal for adolescents is unhealthy because they are easily lured to participate in a

romantic relationship because of social pressures" (Royer et al 2009). These types of behaviors

may also lead to other unhealthy risky behaviors.

An example of the Haley effect is, "it would be safe to brush my teeth every early morning, but I

want to see if my best friend brushes first." Teenagers go through a decision making process, but

they don't necessarily go through a gut-instinct making process. If they know something is wrong

or bad, their decision is not necessarily based on the safety of the person doing the thinking, but

they base it on what others will think or do, others meaning peers and friends.

Teenagers are often foreigners in their own bodies during adolescence and puberty. They not

only are confused about what is going on in their bodies, but they are confused and trying to fit

in with others around them.

2.4. THE CONCEPT OF TEENAGE PREGNANCY.

Teenage pregnancy is formally defined as a pregnancy in a young woman who has not reached

her 20th birthday when the pregnancy ends regardless of whether the woman is married or is

legally an adult (according to Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia). “Teenage pregnancy implies

that the individual is carrying a baby while she is still a baby her herself and is prone to

experiencing many risks that endanger her health and that of the unborn baby” were the words of

Hon. Minister Sarah Opendi in journal by the Uganda Radio Network. (URN 2014)

One out of every four 15-19 year old is already a mother or pregnant with her first child.(UBOS

and Micro International Inc., 2007).It is one of the devastating reproductive health challenges

and has consequences not only for the individual girl but also for the community.

2.4.1 INDICATORS OF TEENAGE PREGNANCY.

Indicators of teenage pregnancy include;

2.4.1.1 Number of pregnant young girls.

This is the actual number of pregnant young girls at present. One of every four teenagers is

pregnant with her first child (UBOS and Macro International Inc. 2007). UNFPA explains that

this had reduced from 43% in 1995 to about 31% in 2005 and the decline was attributed to

contraceptive use and sex education. But the 31% is still among the highest in Africa. Uganda

has the highest pregnancy rate in Africa.

2.4.1.2 Increase in induced abortions among female youth.

This is the actual number of abortions carried out by school girls. Each year, an estimated

297,000 induced abortions are performed in Uganda and nearly 85,000 women are treated for

complications. Every year about 1500 girls in Uganda die from complications resulting from

unsafe abortions contributing to the slow progress to reduce the numbers of women who die due

to related complications. A 2013 brief report by Guttmacher institute states that Ugandans
abortions rates are higher than the 18% world health organization‟s estimates for east African

sub region and 13% of the world‟s.

2.4.1.3 The number of school drop outs due to teenage pregnancy

This is the actual number of school drop outs due to early and unwanted pregnancies. 70% of

young people between 12-24 who were in school in 2006 remained out of school in 2009 while

33% of those who were in school in 2006 had dropped out in 2009. Early pregnancy was one of

the major actors for dropping out of school. It further indicated that the national primary school

dropout rates for girls in Uganda is at 20% annually and about 4 times more in some district in

northern and eastern Uganda.

Uganda is still rated with the highest school dropout rates in east Africa; Kenya has a lower

dropout rate compared to Uganda but higher than that of Tanzania (UNESCO, 2010).Data from

the ministry of education shows that school dropouts in the country are higher at primary level

than at secondary level and lack of interest, pregnancy, early marriages, hidden costs at school,

and family responsibilities have driven thousands out of school.

2.5. OTHER FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO TEENAGE PREGNANCY

2.5.1 Lack of parental guidance:

Most people evade their children from talking about sex. In some cases they provide false

information regarding sex and discourage their children to participate in any informative

discussion about sex. In some cases teenage mothers are not well educated about sex before

getting pregnant and hence this leads to communication between the parents and children

2.5.2 Inadequate knowledge about safe sex

Most adolescents are unaware of safe sex. They probably have no access to the traditional

methods of preventing pregnancy. And the reason behind is that they are either too embarrassed

or fear to seek information about it. (Nalwadda et al 2010).

Many teenagers either shun places where sex education takes place for fear of being seen or it

could be related to the fact that there are limited sex education programs within communities

(Guttmacher Institute 2010)

2.5.3 Exploitation by older men

This is another major factor that contributes to pregnancy among teenagers. Those girls who

date older men are more likely to become pregnant before they attain womanhood. This brings

in the phenomenon of cross-generational sex, defined as sexual relationships between an

adolescent girl and a partner, who is older, usually by 10 or more years. In the case of girls,

premature sex can trap them in an adverse vulnerability cycle as they may become adolescent

mothers; may be forced to leave school; are at risk of entering marriage early, particularly when

having sex with older men, they are more exposed to contracting sexually transmitted diseases

(STDs), including HIV and AIDS, (Bantebya et al, 2014). The power differential between

adolescent girls and older, usually wealthier men is a particular risk factor for abusive

relationships where the less privileged teenage girl has less has less chances of decision. In most

cases, these cross-generational relationships become transactional. The findings of the above

research provide evidence of high incidence of cross-generational sexual relationships in the research

sites, but also of its severity as a child protection deficit in both rural and urban contexts.

Whereas very poor adolescent girls engage in these relationships to meet their basic needs,

others who are less poor might do so in order to gain access to what they see as „luxury goods‟

or through peer pressure (Hawkins et al., 2009). For example, poorer girls in rural areas might

agree to have sex with an older man in exchange for food, whereas girls in urban areas, with

more diverse livelihoods, might enter into these transactional relationships to access items they

could not otherwise afford, such as certain clothes or perfume.

2.5.4. Curiosity.

Spontaneous curiosity, an experimenting passion towards sex and a desire to taste it in the

proximity of some boys exhorts the teenage girls to get involved in doing whatever they find

most enjoyable with the opposite sex thus leading to teenage pregnancy. Many teens are engaged

in hushed up and quick affairs and upon having sex, there is no reason for them to be together

anymore. There is usually an inability to anticipate or prepare for sex. A teenager “in the

moment” does not have enough time to consider and organize contraception (Royer et al 2009).

It is therefore necessary to encourage teenagers to preventatively adopt contraceptive behaviour.

2.5.5. Rape and defilement.

Sexual abuse of teenage girls is also one of the most disgraceful causes of teenage pregnancy.

Teens have become pregnant as a result of sexual abuse (rape and defilement). The Guttmacher

Institute states that between 43% and 62% of teens acknowledge that they were impregnated by

an adult male and two-thirds reported that their babies' fathers were as old as 27. Approximately

5% of all teen births are as a result of rape. Rape sexual exploitation also takes place that leads to

unwanted pregnancy among engaging girls (Bantebya et al, 2014)

2.5.6. Myths

In addition, there are many myths about the subject and yet young people are not willing to

verify them. This could be because they are either embarrassed or fear to seek information about

it. In many instances, the teenage girls are either too shy to ask their partners to use condoms or

never cautious enough to say no to their partners if they are not willing to indulge in such

activities. It was found out that 80% of the teenage pregnancies are unintended. The prevalence

of these myths supports ignorance about the risks of pregnancy.

2.5.7. Mass media

Media exhibition of sex and pornographic materials in selling their commodities is another

cause. The movie industry and the media contribute to teenage pregnancy by glamorizing teen

pregnancy in news stories and movies. Movies that depict teen pregnancy as something to be

desired encourage teens to engage in reckless sexual activity. According to Royer et al (2009)

during adolescence, teens become more focused on their appearance and how their peers

perceive them. They want to be seen as part of the group, so if teen pregnancy is viewed as

acceptable in their school or amongst their friends, they may seek to become pregnant as a way

to gain social acceptance.

2.5.8. Poverty.

A high level of poverty for instance financial constraints renders some young girls liable to

exploitation by older men. Girls who date older men are more likely to become pregnant before

they attain womanhood. The social economic factor is clearly spelled out as teenage girls who

belong to poor families are more likely to become pregnant.

Researchers have found out that even in developed countries, teenage pregnancy occurs mostly

among the deprived sections of families. Most young women live in poverty and are always

under peer pressure which often forces them to turn to sex in exchange for gifts.

2.5.9. Shortages in condoms and other reproductive health services

There are also shortages in condoms and other reproductive health services. Condom distribution

has increased in recent years to 10 million per month in 2010 according to the Ministry of Health

yet there have been reports of consistent condom shortages at health centers, most recently in

northern Uganda 3 years back and other hard to reach areas like islands, fishing communities,

areas in conflicts, among others.

Socio-cultural practices and traditions also contribute to the low use of contraceptives among

Ugandans. According to a Joint Action Plan by the Ugandan Government and the United Nations

Population Fund (UNFPA), only 38% of young women and 55% of young men in Uganda say

they used a condom the last time they had sex, according to UNICEF‟s most recent statistics.

2.10. Cultural norms.

Some cultural norms have led to teenage pregnancy e.g Kadodi dance of the Bagisu where

people move as they dance for long distances and for long hours. Many are usually drunk and

some of the young people usually fail to trace their way back home thus falling prey of rapists

and defilers. The dance itself is so nice that when the tune begin to ring one just finds him/herself

dancing to the tunes, which gives a feeling of euphoria, hence easily succumbing to sexual debut

that may further result into teenage pregnancy.

These were some of the factors responsible for teenage pregnancies. Today, the major concern is

about teenage mothers who become pregnant outside marriage. If you critically look at the

statistics of teenage pregnancies, you will realize a growing number of teenage mothers

worldwide majority of whom are school drop outs.

CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY

3.0. Introduction

This chapter presents the methods that were used during collection of data. It includes the study

design, study setting, study population, sample size determination, sampling procedure, inclusion

criteria, definition of variables, instrument for data collection, data collection procedure, data

management, and data analysis, ethical consideration, limitations of the study and dissemination

of results.

3.1 Study design

The study was conducted using a simple random procedure. The design was chosen for this study

because it considers issues for instance, economy, and rapid data collection. It also offers ability

to understand the population from part of it.

3.2 Study setting

The study was conducted in Luzira parish, Luzira is a suburb situated in Nakawa division, and is

9 km away from the capital city Kampala district. It comprises of 21 zones (villages), however,

the researcher put emphasis on the following villages: Railways, Kamwanyi, Lake drive, Panda

pieri, Agaati, central zone, Upper Biina, Kasasiro, Kisenyi I, Kisenyi II Kisenyi IV

3.3 Study population

The study population will include the female teenagers, young mothers.

3.4 Sample size determination:

The sample was determined using the formula below;

N = x2pcq /y2 formulated by Kish and Lisle, in 1967

Where;

N=desired sample size.

x= standard normal deviation usually set at 1.96 which corresponds to 95% confidence level.

p = proportion of survey population with particulars under investigation and where it‟s unknown,

50% is used.

q = probability that the researcher will get a certain amount of error. 50% is considered to cater

for that.

y= degree of accuracy which ranges from 0.01-0.1

Therefore, its: (1.96)2x0.5x0.5/ (0.09)2

= 118.57 ~119 respondents.

However because of financial constrains, only sixty seven (67) respondents had accurate well

filled questionnaires and these were the ones considered for analysis.

3.5 Sampling techniques

The study employed a homogeneous purposive sampling to select the sample. The purposive

sampling method was chosen to concentrate on people with particular characteristics who were

better able to assist in the research proposed by the researcher.

3.6 Inclusion criteria

Those confirmed to be pregnant teenagers and young mothers were be included.

3.7 Definition of variables

Independent variable: the independent variables are the risky sexual behaviours of teenagers

Dependent variables: this will be the prevalence of teenage pregnancy among teenagers

3.8 Data collection methods

The study focused on primary data because the candidate basically wanted primary information

from the respondents. The data collection method was questionnaire, with open and close ended

questions. The instrument basically refers to collection of items in which the respondent is

expected to react by writing.

It was preferred to other instruments because data can be collected in a short period of time.

Also, it was suitable for a large population, and literate population. Information was easily

described by writing. Those who were found not to be understanding English had interpretations

and were successfully included in the study.

3.9 Data collection procedure

An introduction letter to the authorities of Luzira parish was gotten from Kampala school of

health sciences and taken to the parish offices which enabled access and rapport creation with the

relevant officers and stakeholders. The asked for permission to conduct the study on the stated

topic and when granted permission, the researcher was guided by village health team members

through the villages in access of respondents to ease the collection of the data using

questionnaires. All those who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were interviewed from a quiet and

private place, preferably at their homes. The researcher checked the data filled in before leaving

the study site.

3.10 Data management

After collecting data, it was checked for completeness and accuracy. Those that were

inaccurately or incompletely removed and disposed. Accurate and completely filled ones shall be

locked in a cupboard to ensure confidentiality let no access to other people.

3.11. Data analysis

Data was counted by tallying using a pen and A4 sheets papers. The results were entered in a

computer and analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS), to generate

percentages, tables, bar graphs, and pie charts. The data collected was tabulated and discussed

with the supervisor.

3.12. Ethical consideration:

The researcher got an introductory letter from the office Kampala School of Health Sciences,

situated at Rubaga road Kampala and which will be presented to seek acceptance and admission

into the parish community.

The researcher maintained a high sense of confidentiality of the information that was generated.

He respected people‟s time given to him and was be very devoted during the research.

All forms of support that was rendered to the researcher were acknowledged in this report.

3.13 Limitations of the study:

Ideally the study was supposed to be conducted to obtain a big sample which gives a more

accurate data. However financial and time constraints dictated a small sample.

Some respondents did not have time to fill the whole questionnaire which gave a lot of

incomplete and hence inaccurate data that made it invalid.

Since the study was done during the times which there were general elections, the researcher

found hard time meeting the respondents because everyone was on watch about what was going

on and people wanted to cheerfully attend campaigns of their politicians.

3.14 Solutions

The researcher made sure that the budget was constrained with limits such that it is not

exaggerated.

To ensure respondents effectiveness, a brief education to them about the relevance of the study to

them and to the community they lives in at large in order to get relevant information from the

respondents.

They were also informed that the research was purely education based.

The inaccurate questionnaires were removed and their data not tallied and hence were not

presented in the final results.

3.15 Dissemination of results:

The findings obtained and analyzed were compiled and printed. Five copies shall be produced

and the disseminated to the Uganda Allied Health Examinations Board (UAHEB), to Kampala

School of Health Sciences, to Luzira parish officials, to my supervisor and a copy will remain

with me.
CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 Introduction

This chapter describes the presentation, in-depth analysis of the data generated, and its

interpretation. It‟s based on specific objectives of the study. The results are presented in Tables

and Figures

4.1 Demographic characteristics of respondents

The study explored the characteristics of the pregnant teenagers and young mothers all

enveloped under teenagers.

Table 4.1.1: showing the respondent category.

n=67

Respondent category Frequency Percentage

Pregnant teenagers 28 41.8%
Young mothers 39 58.2%
Source: respondents’ questionnaire

At the time of the research study, it was revealed that there were more young mothers than the

pregnant teenagers with young mothers contributing 58% and the pregnant teenagers 42% of the

study population. (See table 4.1)

Figure 4.1
 a graph showing the respondents' educational level before concepiton and
at the study time
educational level before conception educational level at the time of the study
56.7

40.3

20.9 23.9
19.4 19.4
13.4
3 3 0

never studied in primary in secondary tertiary had dropped

institution out

The research showed that prior to conception, teenage pregnancy was highest among teenagers in

the secondary level (27)(40.3%), followed by those in tertiary (16)(23.9%) and those who had

dropped out (13)(19.4%), then in those in primary level(9)(13.4%) and least among who never

studied (3%). However, research further revealed that at the time of research, teenage pregnancy

was highest among those who had dropped out of school totaling to 38 respondents (56.7%)

followed by those in secondary (14)(20.9%), then those in tertiary level(13)(19.4%) never

studied (2)(3%), and those in primary level were not reported.

4.1.2 Findings on the various risky sexual behaviors practiced by teenagers

Table 4.1.2: showing respondent‟s age at first sexual intercourse

Age at first sexual intercourse Frequency Percentage

11-14 6 9%
15-18 47 70%
19-22 14 21%
Source: respondents’ questionnaire

The study revealed that teenage pregnancy occurred more among teenagers aged 15-18 with 70%

followed by those 19-22 with 21% and least among those aged 11-14 with 9%
Figure 4.2

showing the number of sexual partners before conception

three sexual more than three
partners 4%
6%
two sexual
pertners
24%
one sexual
66%

Research revealed that majority of the respondents (66%) had only one sexual partner, with 24%

having two sexual partners, 6% had three sexual partners, 4% had not any partner, this could be

due to rape cases that were noted during the research whereas those with more than three sexual

partners were not reported.

Table 4.1.3: showing usage of alcohol or any other drug prior to sexual intercourse that led to

pregnancy n=67

Alcohol usage Frequency Percentage

Had taken alcohol or any other drug 16 23.9%
Not taken alcohol or any other drug 51 76.1%
Source: respondents’ questionnaire

From the results displayed in table 4.5, about 23.9% of the respondents engaged in sexual

intercourse under the influence of alcohol, while 76.1% reported not having taken alcohol prior

to sexual intercourse.

Table 4.1.4: showing condom use and other reproductive health services prior to conception
 n=67

Contraceptive use Frequency Percentage

Was using contraceptive 23 34.3%
Was not using any contraceptive 44 65.7%
Source: respondents’ questionnaire

Results from the above table depict that 34.3% of the respondents were using contraceptives

apart from the 65.7% who reported not having used contraceptives prior to their conception

Table 4.1.5: showing different contraceptive methods being used prior to conception

n=23

Contraceptive use Frequency Percentage

Condom use 14 61%
Withdraw method 7 30.4%
Injectaplan 1 4.3%
Moon beads 0 0%
Coils. 0 0%
Others(emergency) 1 4.3%

With respect to the above results, out of the 23 respondents sourced from table 4.6, who reported

having used contraceptives, 61% of them said condoms were the most readily available. 30.4%

opted withdrawal method, 4.3% reported to having used injectaplan which shared the same

percentage as others (emergency) that totaled to 4.3% and the rest were not reported.

Responding to reasons why they conceived amidst contraceptive use, about 30.4% said there was

contraceptive failure, 26.1% suggested that they could have conceived due to inconsistent

contraceptive use, 17.4% reported that lack of knowledge contributed to their conception

whereas 13% of the respondents said they had delays in beginning sexual activity and usage of

the contraceptives and 13% reported that they were not sure what caused their pregnancy.
4.2. Findings on knowledge on teenagers decision making with respect to risky sexual

behaviours

Figure 4.2.1

A pie chart showing the influence of peers

in respondents' sexual engagement

were not
influence
d by were
teens influenced
39% by teens
61%

According to the research findings, as depicted in table 4.9, about 61.25% respondents said they

were influenced by their peers to engage into sexual relationship, whereas 38.75% of them said

they were not in any way influenced by their peers to

Table 4.2.1 showing the respondents‟ engagement in sexual intercourse at free will

Frequency Percentage
Yes 43 64.2%
No 24 35.8%

Findings were that 64.2% of the respondents reported that they engaged in sexual intercourse at

free will while 35.5% having sexual intercourse was not at their will.

Table 4.2.2 showing whether respondents had sex education prior to their conception

Variable Frequency Percentage

Yes 28 42%
No 39 58%
 Research revealed that of the 67 respondents who were involved in the study only 42% had once

attended sex education sessions prior to the engagement in sexual activity, while 58% had less

knowledge on sex education

4 3:Findings on the other factors that have led to prevalence of teenage pregnancy in Luzira

parish

Table 4.3.1 showing other factors that have led to the prevalence of teenage pregnancy

FACTORS SA % A % NS % D % SD %
1 Adolescent sexual behavior of discovery 39 58.2 17 25. 0 9 13. 2 3%
(curiosity) led to your early conception. % 4% 4
2 Shortages in condoms and other reproductive 17 25.4 8 12 25 37.3 15 22. 2 3%
health services led to your early pregnancy. % % % 3%
3 Inadequate parental guidance and love or 4 6% 29 43. 0 17 25. 17 25.4
rather parental negligence had a hand in your 3% 4% %
early pregnancy.
4 Lack of affectionate supervision of parents or 19 28.4 17 25. 2 3% 12 18 17 25.4
guardians (absentee parents) resulted into % 3% % %
your conception.
5 Rape led to your early conception. 2 3% 0 0 45 67. 20 29.8
2% %
6 Poverty in your household made you accept 31 46.2 17 25. 0 3 4.5 16 23.9
material benefits in exchange for sex thus % 4% % %
pregnancy.
7 Some societal and cultural norms made you 0 0 20 29.8 29 43. 18 26.9
conceive early. % 3% %
8 Media exhibition of sex and pornographic 35 52.2 11 16. 1 1.5% 14 21 6 8.9%
materials made you indulge in early sex thus % 4% %
early pregnancy.
9 Sexual relationships between teenage girls 13 19.4 7 10. 0 29 43. 18 26.9
and older men are more likely to end up in % 4% 3% %
teenage pregnancy as compared to sexual
relationships between teenage boys and girls.
(Cross generational relationships)
The above results depict that quite a number of factors also contribute to teenage pregnancy in

Luzira parish

Respondents explained referring to question 9 as follows

Older men tend to provide gifts and end up asking for unprotected sex in return

Having sexual relationship with older men was risky because they can easily force one into

sexual intercourse sometime even against one’s will.

The inability to reject request from older men who most times prefer unprotected (live) sex,

leading to unwanted outcomes like pregnancy.

Older men most times don’t plan their sexual schedule

CHAPTER 5

5.1 DISCUSSION

This study examined the risky sexual behaviour and how they lead the prevalence of teenage

pregnancy in Luzira parish that is situated in Kampala district.

To begin with, results from question one as represented in table 4.1.1 at the time of the research,

there were 41.8% of pregnant teenagers and 58.2% young mothers. This gives a big picture of

the problem in the community and the outcome is consistent with findings of earlier studies

(UBOS and Macro International Inc. 2007).

Results from question 3 and 4, with results depicted in figure 4.1 indicated that most teenagers

became pregnant while in secondary level which was also shown in the research that this

occurred in about ages 15-18, reflected on table 4.1.2 where this age group registered a high

percentage. This suggests that at this age teenagers are being too curious and at a high gear under

the influence of friends heeding to their advice to get partners as soon as they developed breasts

(Ann-Maree et al, 2010). High level of school dropouts (56.7%) was also noted during the

research and this shows consistency with findings of UNESCO, 2010. This gives an impression

that once teenagers succumb to teenage pregnancy; they have very low chances of getting back

to school hence a high dropout turn up.

Results from question 5 represented in table 4.1.2 which was done to asses teenagers‟ age at first

sexual intercourse, one of the mentioned risky sexual behavoiur, it was evident that 70% of the

teenagers had their first sexual intercourse between 15-18 years. These results suggest that at this

age teenagers are becoming sexually active and would want to explore the unknown hence

falling in the trap (Cynthia Summers, 2013). The indulgence in sexual activity at (11-14) with

9% and (19-22) with 21% was low and could be linked to protective factors of parents.
Results from question 8 with its interpretation in figure 4.2, while the majority registered having

only one sexual partner, (66%), the rest had either two or more sexual partners. In spite of the

fact that they are quite low, this risky sexual behavoiur has associated outcomes and shows

consistency with findings from Mbanga et al, 2007.

While responding to question 12 represented in table 4.1.3 though the percentage of those who

had taken alcohol was low, (23.9%) it was found that at least, this was not in match with findings

from previous researchers that noted a high level of alcohol abuse to the tune of 70%

(Bitakalamire, 2006). While taking alcohol was for different reasons, like wanting to fit in the

groups and showing maturity, teenagers forgot the monster behind this “social factor”. These

results suggest that as alcohol as a risky sexual continues to manifest among teenagers there will

more teenage pregnancies registered

With regards to research question 16 and its analysis in tables 4.1.4 it was interestingly evident

that most teenagers are poor contraceptive users. 65.7% respondents reported not to have used

any contraceptive and this gives a high prediction to teenage pregnancy. Also to note but a few,

one of the methods reported to having been used was the withdrawal method, about 30.4%

respondents and yet they have no control over such a method and the level of efficacy and

efficiency of this method is not guaranteed either the female or the partner. These results seem to

support Devika et al (2012) findings that the proportion of contraceptive use among 15-19 year

olds is 6.5% and is seemingly low as compared to the available teenagers more intervention is

needed. The extent to which non contraceptive use led to the prevalence of teenage pregnancy as

postulated by research question 19 was observed that non use of contraceptive posed a big risk to

continuing this consuming vice (teenage pregnancy).

Decision making was the other point of concern, in question 22 and depicted in figure 4.2.1 As

seen from the tables, results indicate that teenagers tend to hear from friends before

engaging into sexual debut. The respondents were asked various questions regarding their

decision making before sexual intercourse 61% said they were influenced by peers due

associated benefits. The study revealed that teenagers do not give a second thought to the words

told by their friends ahead of time why they want to do it, what the consequences are, or what the

risks may be and this is with adherent support from findings from Royer et al (2009). However

the nature of influence of on decision making among teenagers remains controversial. Some

studies such as Conkle. A (2007) relate it to the Haley Effect, where teenagers take into account

what others do or think.

5.2. RECOMMENDATIONS

In general, there is need to put in an effort to address the mentioned issues that affect the sexual

behaviours of teenagers that have sparked up the prevalence of teenage pregnancy in Luzira

5.2.1 Recommendations from pregnant teenagers and young mothers towards the

improvement of sexual behaviour of female youth.

Parents should love all children equally whether biological or non biological so that they are not

forced to look for “love” and care from other people.

It was also suggested that parents and children should be sensitized on their rights and

responsibilities in the homes and communities.

Parents were advised to avoid divorce and separation because upon re-marrying, their spouses

usually don‟t love and care for the step children thus subjecting them to rape, defilement and

other atrocities.

They called upon parents to create open communication and dialogue with their children as this

would help ease communication and openness about the issues and concerns affecting them. It
was also proposed that harmony should be advocated for and maintained in the family so as to

avoid situations that would force girls flee the homes.

They were also advised to work hard so as to provide for their children and families with the

required basic needs and requirements. This would help in reducing the dependency syndrome of

girls to opportunists.

Government was advised to educate parents about positive parenting and this would be done

through seminars and sensitization drives in communities, homesteads, among others. In

addition, teenagers proposed that government should provide more poverty eradication

programmes for parents for improved livelihoods of the families.

5.2.2 Recommendations from pregnant teenagers and young mothers towards the

reduction of the prevalence of teenage pregnancy in Luzira parish, Kampala

district.

These were the recommendations generated from the pregnant teenagers and young mothers

5.2.2.1 to fellow female teenagers

Girls were advised to abstain from sex and early sexual relations as these put their reproductive

lives at stake for not only early pregnancy but also health concerns like STDs, HIV/AIDS,

among others.

Those who cannot abstain from sex were advised to practice safe sex through condom use and

other family planning methods like pills, injections, among others.

Teenagers were further advised to avoid bad peer groups and pressure and this would be through

making fiends with those who are developmental and upright. Emphasis should be put on

making good friends who would guide them and not mislead them instead.

Female teenagers were advised to avoid watching blue movies and other pornographic materials

which may entice them into sexual relations and intercourse.

They called upon fellow girls to respect their parents and other adults in society and also heed

the advice that is given to them. In addition, they advised that they should be open with adults

and parents and always consult them for advice before making dangerous decisions.

Teenagers were also advised avoid gifts from strangers or opportunists who may want to take

advantage of them by asking for a refund in the name of sex.

They were also advised to be sharp, wise and principled, stick to their words and communicate

efficiently. Let their no be a no and not a may be.

They were also advised to believe in God, be patient and always work hard for a better future

rather than depend on men for provision which usually has strings attached.

5.2.2.2. To parents/guardians of female teenagers

They were advised to ensure that they provide for their children all the needs and requirements.

Such necessities include school, home and personal requirements.

They should guide and counsel their daughters about the dangers of early sexual debut with

emphasis on the immediate or short run negative effects such as early and unwanted pregnancy,

sexually transmitted diseases including the dreaded HIVAIDS, denial and rejection, fistula,

abortion and death.

Parents were advised to fulfill their obligations of paying school dues as parents, so that the girl

child does not get a misfortune of dropping out of school, which predisposes

They were also advised to regulate and monitor the leisure time they give to their children. It is a

right for the children to play and interact but it calls for responsibility on which games they are

playing and with whom. Friends of their children parents should known to the,m what interests

or hobbies bind them together, among others.

They should also regulate pornography and media exhibition erotic movies, magazines, among

others and the mechanisms in which they access their home since many young people are always
exposed to them either through their being inquisitive or by the negligence of their parents at

home.

For the girls in boarding school, parents should endeavor to drop and pick them from school

hence hindering them from diverting along the way and going to their boyfriends.

Parents and caretakers should talk to their children during school holidays for boarders and

weekends for day scholars not only with the aim of creating an open communication

environment but to also guide and counsel them on the various aspects of life including the

sexual and reproductive health concerns of young people. Parents should impart self help skills

in their children ranging from communication skills to self defense techniques. Many young girls

are not assertive and open minded and this is one of the major reasons that renders them helpless

and defenseless thus being taken advantage of.

They should still go on with guidance and counseling sessions, life skills sessions, among others.

In addition, parents were advised to avoid sending girls at night whether to the shops or within

the neighborhoods. Parents should send girls only when accompanied by maybe a brother, sister

or adult so that they can have back up security whenever the need arises.

Parents should show enough parental love and care for their children especially the girl children.

This should be reflected by the protection and security offered to the children regardless of the

economic status of the family.

Parents should take all their children to school and pay all the school fees and requirements in

time to avoid their daughters being chased from school to loiter around the towns and

communities thus ending up in the homes of their boyfriends or even rapists. They should ensure

that their daughters are always in school whenever it is school time.

5.2.2.3. To government

The government should help set up youth centers like straight talk among others and strengthen

the available. These help provide information about sex education which the teenagers can apply

to protect themselves

Girl child education should be subsidized and given a high priority or even given freely so that

they stay engaged in school. Though government put in place UPE and USE, there are still

additional fees that many families are not able to afford especially those families in rural and

slummy areas

Should strengthen and implement the laws regarding rapists and defilers like imprisoning them.

Government should in all schools and commend private ones to recruit senior women and men

teachers to guide and counsel the teenagers and adolescents about adolescence and sexual

reproductive life concerns like abstinence, safer sex, sexually transmitted diseases and the effects

of teenage pregnancy, healthy relationships and dating.

To help reduce on the dependence syndrome of girls on men who usually provide but with

strings attached, Government was advised to provide youth with skills for self reliance regardless

of whether they are still in school or out of school..

Government should put up more security measures in communities like deploying more

policemen to curb the rape issues at night by thugs and other armed criminals.

Government should sensitize and educate parents about good parenting.

Government should regulate or ban bars, discos and clubs that admit young girls because this

makes them susceptible to rape, gang rape and defilement thus teenage pregnancy and other

associated effects.
5.3 CONCLUSIONS

Conclusions on other factors that have led to the prevalence of teenage pregnancy in Luzira

parish, Kampala district.

The researcher concluded that other than risky sexual behaviours, there were many other factors

that have led to the prevalence of teenage pregnancies. Some of these factors that the researcher

found out were ignorance on family planning, rape, defilement, parental negligence,

pornography, media exhibition, negative peer influence, cultural norms and early marriages, drug

and substance abuse, misconception of ideas (myths), among others.

In a nut shell, all adolescents and young people should therefore think twice before they indulge

in early sex and they should know the repercussions much in advance. Be fun-loving no doubt,

but also make sure that the fun lasts! Youth is meant to be preserved and good health at that

stage means good health at a later point in one‟s life. In other words, it is a life-time investment

to take adequate precautions in avoiding early pregnancy. Teenage Pregnancy is to be avoided as

it is not conducive to teenage health. Young people cannot take on the responsibility of having a

child and from the health point of view, it is also not advisable.
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UBOS and Macro International Inc., “Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (2006),

Kampala, Uganda.

Uganda demographic and health survey, (2011).

UNFPA State of World Population Report (2013). Motherhood in childhood: Facing the

challenge of adolescent pregnancy.

WHO (2006) Sexual health. Definition and answer.

APPENDIX I: CONSENT FORM.

Hullo I am Ojan Ronald, a student of Kampala School of Health Sciences offering a diploma in

clinical medicine and community health. I am undertaking an academic research project under

the topic ‘‘RISKY SEXUAL BEHAVIOURS AND THE PREVALENCE OF TEENAGE

PREGNANCY IN LUZIRA PARISH, KAMPALA DISTRICT.’’. This research is intended

to assess the sexual behaviour that pose a great risk to teenagers, find out female teenagers‟

contribution when it comes to decision about sexual relationships, find out some factors that

contribute to teenage pregnancy and develop recommendations to improve the sexual behaviour

of teenagers and how to reduce the prevalence of teenage pregnancy in Luzira parish. This

research is intended to get information which will be used and treated with utmost confidentiality

and completely for academic purposes.

I kindly request you to offer the necessary information.

Signature…………………………. Date………………………………

(Participant)

Signature…………………………. Date………………………………

(Researcher)
APPENDIX II: QUESTIONNAIRE TO DETERMINE THE RISKY SEXUAL BEHAIOUR OF

TEENAGE PREGNANCY AND HOW THE HAVE LED TO THE PREVALENCE OF

TEENAGE PREGNANCY IN LUZIRA PARISH, KAMPALA DISTRICT.

To be filled in by pregnant teenagers and young mothers

SECTION A: DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTIC OF RESPONDENTS

1. Respondent category

Pregnant teenager Young mother

2. Location

…………………………………………………………………………………

3. What was your level of education when you conceived?

Never studied had dropped out in primary

Secondary tertiary

4. What is your level of education now?

primary secondary level never studied

Degree level never continued

SECTION B: RISKY SEXUAL BEHAVIOURS AND HOW THEY HAVE LED TO

TEENAGE PREGNANCY

5. How old were you when you had your first sexual intercourse?

10-14 15-18 19-22

6. Do you think this led to your becoming pregnant?

 Yes No

7. If No please explain

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

MULTIPLE SEXUAL PARTNERS

8. How many sexual partners did you have before you became pregnant?

One two three ; more than three

9. Did you have these sexual partners at the same time?

Yes No

10. Do you think that having multiple sexual partners this led to your conception?

Yes No

11. If Yes, please explain

………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………

ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE

12. The last time you had sexual intercourse that led to your conception, had you taken alcohol

or any drug?

Yes No

13. If Yes, did you consciously agree to have sexual intercourse?

Yes No
14. Do you think this led to your conception?

Yes No

15. If No, please explain

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………....

CONDOM USE AND OTHER REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SERVICE UTILIZATION

16. Prior to your conception, were you utilizing any reproductive health service?

Yes No

17. if Yes, please specify

Condom use withdrawal injecta plan

Moon beads Coil Others

18. If you were utilizing any of the above, how then did you conceive amidst the services

Lack of sufficient knowledge of the use the method

Delay between the beginning of sexual activity and the use of contraceptive

Contraceptive failure, i.e. due to bursting of condom, poor storage already expired

Inconsistent use of contraceptive (forgotten doses, incorrect sequence)

Not sure about what happened

19. If No, why?

Myths associated inferiority complex

Fear of parents finding out religious or cultural rules

20. Do you think having not used family planning led to your conception?

Yes No Not sure

21. If No, please explain

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………....

SECTION C: RISKY SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR AND DECISION MAKING

22. Prior to your getting pregnant, were you influenced by your peers in any way to engage in

sexual intercourse?

Yes No

23. if Yes please explain

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

24. Did you decide to have sexual intercourse with your partner at free will?

Yes No

25. If no, please explain

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………

26. Do you think this led to your conception?

Yes No

27. If No, please explain

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………
28. Prior to your getting pregnant, did you have planned sexual intercourse?

Yes No

30. Do you think this led to your becoming pregnant?

Yes No

31. Prior to your becoming pregnant, did you get enough sex education?

Yes No

32. Do you think this led to your conception?

Yes No

SECTION D: OTHER FACTORS THAT HAVE LED TO THE PREVALANCE OF

TEENAGE PREGNANCY

In this section please tick appropriately according to your understanding i.e.

SA=strongly agree, A=agree, NS=not sure, D=disagree, SD=strongly disagree

FACTORS SA A NS D SD
1 Adolescent sexual behavior of discovery
(curiosity) led to your early conception.
2 Shortages in condoms and other reproductive
health services led to your early pregnancy.
3 Inadequate parental guidance and love or
rather parental negligence had a hand in your
early pregnancy.
4 Lack of affectionate supervision of parents or
guardians (absentee parents) resulted into
your conception.
5 Rape led to your early conception.
6 Poverty in your household made you accept
material benefits in exchange for sex thus
pregnancy.
7 Some societal and cultural norms made you
conceive early.
8 Media exhibition of sex and pornographic
materials made you indulge in early sex thus
early pregnancy.
9 Sexual relationships between teenage girls
and older men are more likely to end up in
teenage pregnancy as compared to sexual
relationships between teenage boys and girls.
(Cross generational relationships)

For question 15, please explain;

a.……………………………………………………………………………….................................

............................................................................................................................................................

b.………………………………………………………………………………................................

............................................................................................................................................................

c.……………………………………………………………………………….................................

............................................................................................................................................................

d.………………………………………………………………………………................................

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Apart from these mentioned, what other factors do you think could have led to your conception?

a.……………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………................................
b………………………………………………………………………………………………….…
………………………………………………………………………………...............................
c……………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………................................
d……………………………………………………………………………………………………
SECTION E : RECOMMENDATIONS

1. What do you think should be done so as to improve the sexual behaviours of teenagers in

Luzira parish?

a.………………………………………………………………………………................................

b.………………………………………………………………………………................................

c.………………………………………………………………………………................................

d.………………………………………………………………………………................................

2. What do you think should be done so as to reduce on the prevalence of teenage pregnancy in

Luzira parish?

a.………………………………………………………………………………................................

b.………………………………………………………………………………................................

c.……………………………………………………………………………………........................

d.………………………………………………………………………………................................

We have come to the end of the interview and I really appreciate the valuable time and

audience you have accorded me and I assure you of utmost privacy and confidentiality of the

issues generated.

Thank you for your participation and May God bless you abundantly!!!
APPENDIX III: BUDGET SUMMARY:

Nos. Items Quantity Rates/item Subtotal

1 Ream of duplicating papers 1 13000/= 13000/=

2 Ream of ruled papers 1 9000/= 9000/=

;3 Pens 5 500/= 2500/=

4 Staples 1 box 3000/= 3000/=

5 Note book 1 3000/= 3000/=

Proposal development

6 typing and printing 35 pages 500/= 17500/=

7 Photocopying 50pages(5 copies) 100/= 25000/=

8 Binding 5 copies 3000/= 15000/=

9 Typing of research report 45 pages 500/= 22500/=

10 Printing of questionnaires 3 pages 500/= 1500/=

11 Photocopying of questionnaires 80 copies 450/= 36000/=

12 Transport to and from the parish 50000/=

13 Payment of interviewers 120000/=

14 Miscellaneous 100000/=

TOTAL 418000/=
 APPENDIX IV: WORK PLAN

PERIOD FOR WHICH ACTIVITIES WILL BE CARRIED OUT

ACTIVITY:
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB

Topic identification

and approval.

Literature search

Proposal development

and approval

Proposal submission

Data collection

Data analysis

Report writing

and submission
APPENDIX V: SHOWINNG OF MAP UGANDA
APPENDIX VI: SHOWING A MAP OF THE STUDY AREA

Luzira parish