Factors associated with teenage pregnancies during the Covid-19 period in Pakwach district, Northern Uganda: a case-control study

Abstract

Teenage pregnancy rates have globally decreased over the years, but remain high, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Among girls aged 15-19, teenage pregnancy remains the leading cause of death and a significant barrier to education and productivity. Its prevalence underscores concern about the sexual and reproductive health of youth. However, limited data exist regarding factors contributing to its rise during the COVID19 pandemic in Uganda. This study explores the factors associated with teenage pregnancy in Pakwach district during this period. We conducted a matched case-control study, enrolling 362 teenage girls aged 10-19 years, divided into two groups: 181 pregnant teenagers and 181 not pregnant teenagers. We collected exposure data from both groups using questionnaires to evaluate factors associated with teenage pregnancy. The study period covered March 2020 to January 2021, coinciding with lockdown measures. During the COVID-19 lockdown, teenage pregnancies were only associated with having exclusively female peers (AOR 3.0, 95% CI: 0.1-104.4). Conversely, having a Radio/TV at home (AOR 0.2, 95% CI: 0.1-0.6), age at first sexual encounter (AOR 0.1, 95% CI: 0.03-0.9), considering teenage pregnancy as sexual abuse (AOR 0.1, 95% CI: 0.02-0.4), feeling comfortable asking questions during consultations (AOR 0.5, 95% CI: 0.2-1.3), and ensuring sufficient privacy during consultations were protective against teenage pregnancy. The factors contributing to increased teenage pregnancies during the COVID-19 pandemic were consistent with long-standing contextual factors associated with teenage pregnancy. The lockdown environment may have slightly exacerbated these factors, but no direct association was observed. Only having female peers was linked to teenage pregnancy during the lockdown. Conversely, having access to a radio/TV at home and other healthcare system-related factors offered protection. Therefore, interventions should prioritize providing comprehensive information on the risks of teenage pregnancy during any lockdown scenario.