Geographic variation and risk factors for teenage pregnancy in Uganda

BACKGROUND: Teenage pregnancy is a global health issue with high rates in sub-Saharan Africa. In Uganda, teenage pregnancy is a public and community health issue. OBJECTIVES: This study hypothesized that there would be regional variations in rates, risk factors and trends of teenage pregnancy in Uganda. METHODS: Data were analyzed from the Uganda Demographic and Health Surveys (UDHS) in 2006 and 2011. The outcome of interest was current pregnancy for females 15 to 19 years of age at the time of the survey. Bivariate analysis was performed for each year to examine the rate and trends of pregnancy by various demographic characteristics. Logistic regression was conducted to assess the association between teenage pregnancy and sociodemographic variables. RESULTS: Uganda's rate of teenage pregnancy increased from 7.3/1000 in 2006 to 8.1/1000 in 2011. The East Central region consistently had the highest rates than other regions. In 2006, teenage pregnancy was significantly associated with being married, living with a partner or separated, as compared to those who were single. Marital and wealth status were also significant predictors of teenage pregnancy based on the 2011 survey. CONCLUSION: The rate of teenage pregnancy in Uganda is high and the trend demonstrated regional variation. Future interventions could focus on regions with high poverty and low education.