Adolescent Pregnancy and Education Attainment of Female Learners in Iceme Sub County, Oyam District, Northern Uganda

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed at determining the factors associated with adolescent pregnancy, motivating factors for girls to stay in school and the effects of adolescent pregnancy on education attainment and livelihoods in Iceme Sub County, Oyam District. Methodology: The study adopted exploratory study using a qualitative phenomenological approach. Using the principle of data saturation, the study engaged thirty-five participants that included adolescent mothers, school head teachers and other education stakeholders in two selected parishes in Iceme Sub County. Findings: Analysis of the responses about the causes of adolescent pregnancy generated five major themes, economic status, peer influence, substance use and abuse, inadequate sex education and domestic violence. Factors motivating girls to stay in school included becoming national leaders, better living condition and independence. It was revealed that the effects of adolescent pregnancy include dropping out of school, being chased away from home, developing complications during and after delivery, poverty and producing so many children. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study suggests adoption of remedial policy measures that include; provision of income generating opportunities to families, strengthening the implementation of policy on domestic violence and violence against children, strengthen peer to peer education/ learning, policy that does not allow sale of drugs and other substance in shops that are not licensed as drug shops and regulated by the National drug authority, provision of counselling and guidance, identification of role models who can offer guidance to girls for them to have a bright future and become national leaders and affirmative action towards girls who return to school after delivery such that they are able to complete their education. This study contributes to the understanding of the plight of adolescent girls face in a post-war region situated in a less-developing nation.