Family economic status and early pregnancies among girls in Bwole Parish, Bugiri Municipality-Bugiri District
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Date
2019-04
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Kampala International University, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of family economic status on early
pregnancies among girls in Bugiri district, Bugiri Municipality-Bwole Parish. The study was
based on the following 3 objectives; (i) To assess the demographic and socio-economic
characteristics of early pregnancy in Bwole Parish, Bugiri Municipality; (ii) To assess the
causes of early pregnancy in Bwole Parish, Bugiri Municipality; and (iii) To examine the
effects early pregnancies among girls in Bwole Parish, Bugiri Municipality. The study
employed a cross-sectional research design and a sample size of 80 respondents were used
for this study. In regard to demographic and socio-economic characteristics of early
pregnancy in Bwole Parish, Bugiri Municipality; study revealed that majority (92.5%) of the
respondents were in the age group 16-19 years while majority were cohabiting (61.3%) and
not involved in any marital relationships (38.8%). Majority 73.8% were in secondary
schools, 23.8% were in primary schools and 2.5% were in higher institutions. 36.3% had
their male guardians/parents who had not pursued any formal education while 43.8% of
their female guardians/parents were not formally schooled. Study revealed that for the
respondents who were in sexual unions (cohabiting), majority (63.7%) were in the age
group 16-19 years. Majority 92.5% were self-employed and engaged in one occupation or
the other. Majority of respondents had their male and female guardians being farmers i.e.
71.3% and 75% respectively. Majority (76.3%) had heard about contraception and the
Injecta plan was the most popular method known by respondents (41.3%) followed by the
condoms (27.5%) and pills (27.5%) with 60% affirming that they had knowledge of how to
use at least one contraceptive method. Staying with both parents was seen to be protective against
early pregnancy as indicated by majority (56.3%) of adolescent girls. Less than half (38.8%) had
ever had sex education discussions with parents. Majority (92.5%) had never discussed
contraceptives with guardians. Majority (77.5%) had guardians who are much concerned about their
absence late in the night. More than half (61.3%) of adolescents had parents with violent attitudes
towards boyfriend/girlfriend relationships. Majority (87.5%) of the adolescent could not
discuss their relationships particularly their secrets with their parents. Few (1.3%) of the
girls had guardians who were pushing adolescent to request financial assistance from
strangers and 10% felt pressured by guardians to contribute towards house upkeep
financially or materially. In regard to causes of early pregnancy in Bwole Parish, Bugiri
Municipality; study findings revealed that early pregnancy is caused by girls falling in
relationship with old men (mean = 3.80); media influence, peer pressure and low
educational expectations (mean = 3.82); sexual abuse or rape and teenage drinking (mean
= 3.91); poverty affecting guardians (mean = 3.89); and absence of parents and childhood
environments (mean = 3.80). In regard to effects early pregnancies among girls in Bwole
Parish, Bugiri Municipality; study findings revealed that teen mothers normally have medical
complications due to inadequate pre-natal care (mean = 3.85); teen mothers normally drop
out of school (mean = 3.96); early pregnancy result into lower standard of living (mean =
3.86); children born to teen mothers normally show lower levels of cognitive functioning
(mean = 3.88); and early pregnancy lead teens to get abortions since they realize that they
are not ready (mean = 4.02). The study concluded that being in school, coming from a
wealthy household, contraceptive use at sex debut, parental monitoring of the adolescents'
whereabouts at night, and the ability of the adolescent to talk to parents about relationships
with the opposite sex protect against early pregnancy. The factors that predisposed
adolescents to pregnancy were; being in the late adolescent age group 15-19 years, violent
parental attitude towards boy/girl relationship, demanding financial support from
adolescents for house upkeep. The study recommended that; government should endeavor
to introduce more social interventions to improve the living conditions of the poor and
parents must do well to win the confidence of their wards. Contraceptive promotion and
infrastructural development should be given the necessary attention by all stakeholders.
Description
A research report submitted to the College of Humanities And Social Sciences in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Award of Bachelor's Degree in Social Work and Social Administration of Kampala
International University.
Keywords
Family Economic Status, Early Pregnancies, Girls, Bugiri Municipality-, Bugiri District