Exploring the experienced effects of adolescent motherhood on the bearer’s social-economic status in Mutunda sub-county, Kiryandongo district, Uganda.

Abstract

Globally, adolescent motherhood is a serious concern due to the adverse effects it possesses to the mother, child, and the society. This study explored the experienced effects of adolescent motherhood on the bearer’s social-economic status in Mutunda Sub-County, Kiryandongo district, Uganda. Specifically, the study explored the experienced effects of adolescent motherhood on the bearer’s education, health, and access to resources in Mutunda Sub-County. This study used a qualitative research approach, employed a phenomenological research design and used interviewing method to collect data. The study targeted adolescent mothers in Mutunda Sub-County and key informants were recruited to provide critical information to the study. The study used snowball and purposive sampling methods to select primary and secondary respondents respectively. Semi structured interview guides with open ended questions were used to collect data which was analyzed thematically. Data collected was recorded verbatim, transcribed, coded and presented. Findings from this study revealed that adolescent motherhood led to school dropout, low educational attainment, and limited career prospects. Adolescent mothers felt sad about motherhood, had poor physical health and social stigma. Adolescent mothers had limited access to finances, food and health services. It can be categorically stated that adolescent motherhood is a reality in Mutunda Sub-County with colossal implications on the bearer’s social-economic status. The study recommends that policy makers and implementers should strive towards implementation of school re-entry program, introduction of vocational training courses, sensitization on uptake of sexual reproductive health services, introduction of adolescent friendly services, adequate staffing at the health centre II, community mindset change, skilling and extension of financing to uplift their social-economic status in Mutunda Sub-County.