EXAMINING EARLY PREGNANCIES AMONG GIRLS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN

ACOWA SUB COUNTY, AMURIA DISTRICT

BY

ALATO BETTY

16/U/16055/DSNEE/BUK

A RESEARCH REPORT SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF DISTANCE

EDUCAITON IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE
AWARD OF A DIPLOMA IN SPECIAL NEEDS EDUCATION OF KYAMBOGO
UNIVERSITY

AUGUST, 2019
 DECLARATION

I, Alato Betty, declare that this is my original research work and it has never been presented to
any University or Institution of Higher learning for any academic award.

Signed: _______________________ Date: __________________

i
 APPROVAL

This is to certify that this research report has been under my supervision and guidance and it is
ready for submission to the Department of Distance Education with my approval.

Signed: _____________________________ Date: _____________

MR. IYUNDHU ANDREW

ii
 DEDICATION

I dedicate my work to my loving mother Aibo Rose for always being there for me financially,
materially and psychologically.

iii
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

My sincere thanks and gratitude goes to God for his protection, knowledge and strength that he
rendered to me which enabled me to write and complete this research report.

The driver Mr. Aling Richard who always made my Journey successful whenever I go for studies
and to prepare my research work to town

All the participants who availed me with rightful and correct information about the study.

The head teacher of the selected schools Mr. Ewagu and Mr. Akol for permitting me to carryout
data collection in their schools

On a special note, I would like to acknowledge the efforts of my supervisor Mr. Iyundu Andrew
for guiding and supporting me throughout the process of this work.

May the almighty God bless and reward you abundantly.

iv
 TABLE OF CONTENT
DECLARATION..............................................................................................................................i
APPROVAL....................................................................................................................................ii
DEDICATION...............................................................................................................................iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT..............................................................................................................iv
TABLE OF CONTENT...................................................................................................................v
LIST OF TABLES.......................................................................................................................viii
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS........................................................................................................ix
ABSTRACT....................................................................................................................................x
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION..............................................................................................1
1.0 Introduction................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Background to the Study...........................................................................................................1
1.2 Statement of the Problem...........................................................................................................2
1.3 Purpose of the Study..................................................................................................................2
1.4 Research Objectives...................................................................................................................2
1.5 Research Questions....................................................................................................................2
1.6 Scope of the Study.....................................................................................................................2
1.7 Significance of the Study...........................................................................................................3
1.8 Limitations and Delimitations...................................................................................................4
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW..................................................................................5
2.0Introduction.................................................................................................................................5
2.1 Factors contributing to early pregnancy in Primary Schools.....................................................5
2.2 The impacts of early pregnancy among girls in Primary Schools.............................................6
2.3 Possible strategies to reduce early pregnancies among young girls in Primary Schools..........6
CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY........................................................................................8
3.0 Introduction................................................................................................................................8
3.1 Research Design........................................................................................................................8
3.2 Area of the Study.......................................................................................................................8
3.3 Population of the Study.............................................................................................................8
3.4 Sample.......................................................................................................................................9
3.5 Sampling Technique..................................................................................................................9
3.6 Data Collection Methods and Instrument..................................................................................9

v
3.7 Procedure of Data Collection.....................................................................................................9
3.8 Data Analysis and presentation...............................................................................................10
CHAPTER FOUR: PRESENTAITON AND ANALYSIS OF FINDINGS.................................11
4.0 Introduction..............................................................................................................................11
4.1 Section A: Background information of the participants..........................................................11
4.2 Section B: Presentation and analysis of data...........................................................................12
4.2.1 Factors contributing to Early Pregnancy among Girls in Primary Schools..........................12
4.2.2 Impacts of Early Pregnancy among girls in primary schools...............................................13
4.2.3 Strategies to reduce early pregnancy among girls in Primary schools.................................14
CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS................16
5.0 Introduction..............................................................................................................................16
5.1 Discussion................................................................................................................................16
5.1.1 Factors contributing to early pregnancy in Primary Schools................................................16
5.1.2 Impacts of Early pregnancy among girls in Primary Schools..............................................17
5.1.3 Strategies to reduce early pregnancy in girls in Primary schools.........................................18
5.2 Conclusions..............................................................................................................................18
5.3 Recommendations....................................................................................................................19
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................21
APPENDICES...............................................................................................................................23
Appendix 2: Consent Letter...........................................................................................................24
appendix 3: Unstructured interview Guide for Teachers and Parents...........................................25

vi
 LIST OF TABLES
Table 3:1. Showing the total number of participants under each category

vii
 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

DDP District Development Plan

FOWEDE Forum for Women in Democracy

NGO Non-Government Organization

UPE Universal Primary Education

WHO World Health Organization

viii
 ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to examine early pregnancy among girls in primary schools in
Acowa Sub County Amuria District. It targeted Adepar and Angolebwal Primary Schools. The
objectives of the study were; To establish factors contributing to early pregnancy among girls in
primary schools, to find out the impact of early pregnancy among girls and to seek possible
strategies to reduce early pregnancy among girls in primary school.

The study used qualitative approach and it was based on ten (10) participants who were
categorized under parents, teachers and pupils (girls). The researcher used purposive sampling
technique to select the participants and data was collected using an interview method. Data was
analyzed qualitatively using descriptive analysis.

The field findings indicated that; factors contributing to early pregnancy among girls in primary
schools included bad peer groups, forced marriage, negligence of children by parents, sharing
houses with children, poverty, media influence, and alcohol. The impact of early pregnancy to
young girls included; school dropout, death, operation, poverty, destruction of physical health.
Strategies to reduce early pregnancy among girls in primary schools included; provision of basic
needs, child talk, avoid bad peer groups, use of condoms, parents love, guidance and counselling

The researcher puts forward a number of recommendations including; guidance and counselling,
sensitization of parents on the needs and the rights of the girl child, provision of sanitary pads by
schools, tightening laws of defilement by government, provision of award to girl children,
abstinence and reporting cases of early pregnancy to responsible authorities

ix
 CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.0 Introduction

This chapter presents the background to the study, statement of the problem, purpose of the
study, research objective, and scope of the study, significance of the study and limitations and
delimitations.

1.1 Background to the Study

This study was about early pregnancy among girls in Primary schools in Acowa sub-county in
Amuria District.

According to the researcher’s observation and assessment, the highest number of children
dropping out of Primary schools in Acowa sub-county is young girls due to early pregnancy.

This occurs due to unawareness of the community on how to care for a girl child. As a result of
early pregnancy in young girls, they develop fear, shame, embarrassment and they disappeared
from school.

Despite of the fact that awareness had been passed on by various stakeholders on education of a
girl child through sensitization through media and stakeholder meetings, many young girls are
still getting pregnant which lowers their education.

World Health Organization (2007) stated that early pregnancy is a condition where by a foetus
develops in the womb of a young girl. It can also be defined as a condition that forces young
girls to become a child-mother.

In the context of this study, early pregnancy is a process when a girl conceives before the age of
18 years.

Muganda, Onyondo Omondi (2008) pointed out that early pregnancy is caused by lack of parent
to child communication on reproductive matters have been shown to sexual activity and diminish
negative pressure that is associated with unwanted early pregnancies.

Although effort has been put on the education of a girl child through enrolling girls in schools,
providing them with sanitary pads, the issue of early pregnancy needs to be re-addressed in order
to reduce it. The learners are sometimes stressed up due to shame and fear that makes them
isolated and end up dropping from school.

1
The study will focus on examining early pregnancy among girls in primary schools in Acowa
Sub-County, Amuria District.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The government of Uganda is playing a role of promoting inclusive education for all children in
the country through Universal Primary Education (UPE) 1997. Unfortunately, early pregnancies
of young girls in Primary schools are increasing. This leads to decline in attendance of girl
children in Primary schools hence high rate of school dropout.

As such, there is need to examine early pregnancies in Primary Schools and propose possible
strategies to minimize cases of early pregnancies among girls in Primary Schools.

1.3 Purpose of the Study

The purpose of the study was to examine early pregnancy among girls in Primary Schools in
Acowa Sub-County, Amuria District.

1.4 Research Objectives

The objectives of the study were;

1. To establish factors contributing to early pregnancy among girls in Primary schools in

Acowa Sub County
2. To find out the impact of early pregnancy among girls in Primary schools in Acowa Sub
County
3. To seek possible strategies to minimize early pregnancies among girls in Primary Schools in
Acowa Sub County

1.5 Research Questions

1. What factors contributing to early pregnancy among girls in Primary schools in Acowa Sub
County
2. What is the impact of early pregnancy among girls in Primary schools in Acowa Sub County
3. What possible strategies can be put forwards to minimize early pregnancies among girls in
Primary Schools in Acowa Sub County

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study was carried out in Acowa Sub-County, Amuria District. It targeted girls in Adepar and
Angolebwal Primary Schools.

2
The study was limited to examining early pregnancies among girls in Primary schools in Acowa
Sub-County, Amuria District. It took a period of twenty (20) months that is from January 2018 to
August 2019

1.7 Significance of the Study

Parents: The study may create awareness to parents on factors contributing to early pregnancy
among girls in Primary Schools. Secondly, this study may equip parents with strategies of
reducing early pregnancies among young girls.

Teachers: The findings of this study may help them to find out the strategies of reducing early,
pregnancies among girls of school going age.

Pupils: The findings of this study may help girls to get basic needs like sanitary pads, clothes
and others from their parents and school administration so that they may be able to stay in school
longer

Policy Makers: The findings of this study may help the policy makers to formulate appropriate
policies that will reduce early pregnancies among girls.

3
1.8 Limitations and Delimitations

The researcher encountered the following challenges:

The participants required money because they thought that information collected from them
could be used for commercial purposes. However, the researcher explained to them clearly that
the information would be used for academic purposes only.

In addition, the researcher faced the challenge of limited time and this was solved by time tabling
all the activities in order to manage time.

Furthermore, some participants feared to give correct information about the study. This was
solved by assuring the participants that the information was to be treated confidential.

4
 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0Introduction
This chapter presents a review of related literature on the study subject and was accessed from
various sources including research reports, newspapers, text books and internet. The review
focused on the key themes related to the study subject, the researcher identified the key gaps that
emerged out of the review and these constituted the areas of focus of this study.

2.1 Factors contributing to early pregnancy in Primary Schools

Muganda Onyondo and Omondi (2008) stressed that Lack of Parents to child communication
encourages adolescents to seek solace in sexual activity, whereas open and age appropriate
communication on reproductive matters is showing delay of sexual debut and diminish negative
peer pressure that is associated with unwanted early pregnancy.

Domenica and Jones (2007) argues that in South Africa, Poverty in some cases that decreases a
girl’s ability to negotiate for safe sex meaning that she may end up pregnant.

Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWEDE 2011) says that lack of basic necessities exposes
girls to the risk of teenage pregnancy as girls who are not strong end up exchanging sex for
money.

According to Krugujk, et al (2016), during audiences, teenagers may drink and experiment drugs
fluently with their friends at social gathering and parties drinking excessively as well as
experimenting drugs may lead to unwanted and unintentional pregnancy.

According to Ahorluck, Pfeiffer, Obrist (2015), Peer pressure is major cause of sexual abuse,
often females may be pressured or forced to engage in unprotected sex without a choice. Peer
pressure may also be prevalent in a different form while in relationships adolescents may be
pressured by their partner to have unsafe and un protected sex in order to express their “love”
and “true feeling” for their partner.

Nguyen, Shiu, Parber (2016) suggest that media has a large effect on teen pregnancy, especially
shows such as “Teen Mom” and “and pregnant” These shows often glamorize pregnancy and
hide the true hardships associated teens to become pregnant.

5
2.2 The impacts of early pregnancy among girls in Primary Schools

Gyan, (2013), points out that, due to becoming pregnant during adolescence teen mothers are
very likely to drop out of school because of their low ambitions and dedication to getting an
education.

Gyan, (2013), further expresses that another issue associated with teen pregnancy is that young
mother is often, forced to essentially give up her identity for a new one while switching into a
maternal role. These young mothers go though many physical changes.

Universal Primary Education (UPE) (1997) states that unfortunately early pregnancy of young
girls in primary school is still increasing, this leads to decline in attendance of girl children in
Primary Schools hence high school dropout.

Pursuing this further, Gyan, (2013), expresses that teen mothers are often strained for resources
and social support from the father of the child. In some cases, the teen father will remain present
through the process and in others the father will not.

Julia Bodeeb (2018), points out that too often, teens do not seek adequate medical care during
their pregnancy, which can result in moderate to severe complications such as anaemia, toxemia,
high blood pressure placenta prevail and premature birth of the baby.

BjeliRadisic, Haas, Greimel. (2007) express that once the baby is born, teenagers may not be
willing to give their child undivided attention it needs. A teen may not have tools necessary to be
adequate mother hence neglecting the baby.

BjeliRadisci, Vhas, Greimel (2007) indicate that many morns get the “baby blues” during the
weeks and months after giving birth. While these emotional ups and downs can be difficult to
manage, they typically subside.

2.3 Possible strategies to reduce early pregnancies among young girls in Primary Schools

Kaye, (2008) suggests that from young age, it is important that young children and adolescents
have a reliable and trustworthy adult to confide in. Having an approachable and knowledgeable
role model or adult in your life will greatly decrease the chances of teen pregnancy.

According to Gordon, (1983). From an early age, Parents often avoid labeling sexual parts. From
early age, children should become comfortable about body parts similarities and differences

6
between boys and girls. Children do not become sexually active earlier from knowing the correct
names as naturally as they accept the names of other parts of the body.

Teachers in health course for teens need to explain clearly how different the mind is when teen
drinks heavily weekend drinking contests are frequent for some teens. The teenage brain seems
to be less reactive to alcohol’s short-term effects (paturel. 2011).

Honig, (2002) further argues that nurturing, affectionate relationships between very young
children and their special adults provide an inner sense of positive self-worth.

7
 CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction

This chapter presents research design, area of study, and population of the study, sample,
sampling techniques, data collection methods and instruments, procedure of data collection and
analysis and presentation.

3.1 Research Design

This study used a qualitative approach. Creswell (2002), defines qualitative approach as an
inquiry useful for exploring and understanding a central phenomenon.

Qualitative approach was used because it would enable a researcher to gather correct and rightful
information about the study.

3.2 Area of the Study

The study was done in two Primary schools that is Adepar and Angolebwal in Acowa sub-
county, Amuria District.

Acowa sub-County is one of the ten sub-counties in Amuria District. It’s neighbor in the South is
Abarilela, Akoromit Sub-County in the West Kapelebyong from the North and Acinga Sub-
County from the East.

The most dominant tribe in this Sub-County is Iteso and Ateso is the most spoken language.
However, there are other tribes which live in this sub-county name; Congolese, Karimojong, the
Kumam and Banyonkole.

The major economic activity in this area is trading where by young girls are sometimes sent to
buy and sell commodities in the nearby centers making them exposed to men who can seduce
them to sex hence early pregnancy.

Acowa sub-county was chosen because it was one of the leading sub-counties with the highest
number of early pregnancies among girls in primary schools (Amuria DDP 2015-2020)

3.3 Population of the Study

The population of the study comprised of;

(i) The Parents: They are chosen because they care and guide children at home therefore, they
were expected to give the rightful information.

8
(ii) The teachers: These are people who teach, guide and care for pupils while at school hence
they are expected to have information about the study.
(iii) Girls: Girls were chosen to participate in this study because they were target group for this
study.

3.4 Sample

The total number of participants who participated in the study was ten (10) as distributed by the
table below:

Table 3:1 shows the total number of participants under each category
S/No Category Male Female Total

i. Parents 02 02 04

ii. Teachers - 03 03

iii. Girls - 03 03

Total 02 08 10

3.5 Sampling Technique

The researcher used purposive sampling to select parents, teachers and girls; purposive sampling
was used because these categories of people could help to give detailed and rightful information
about the study.

3.6 Data Collection Methods and Instrument

In this study, data was collected from Primary sources. The primary information was obtained
using the interview method

The interview method was used in the study because it helped the researcher to get right and
firsthand information from the participants. The study used unstructured interview guide for the
parents, teachers and pupils (girls). Refer to appendix 3

3.7 Procedure of Data Collection

A research proposal and data collection instrument were prepared and approved by a research
supervisor. An introductory letter was obtained from Kyambogo University which authorized the
researcher to go for data collection. Refer to appendix 1.

9
The researcher took the letter to responsible persons namely; the head teachers of the selected
schools and parents. Furthermore, interview guide was given to the selected participants in
unstructured method which enabled them to read, understand and give the correct feedback to the
researcher.

3.8 Data Analysis and presentation

Data was analyzed qualitatively using descriptive analysis. The information was recorded and
related information was grouped together according to the objectives of the study using themes
and sub-themes.

10
 CHAPTER FOUR: PRESENTAITON AND ANALYSIS OF FINDINGS

4.0 Introduction

The purpose of the study was to examine early pregnancy among girls in Primary Schools. It was
guided by three objectives that is; To establish factors contributing to early pregnancy among
girls in Primary schools, To find out the impact of early pregnancy among girls in Primary
schools, To seek possible strategies to reduce early pregnancy among girls in Primary Schools

The study employed a qualitative approach and data was obtained by using interviews.

This chapter presents the findings and it is made up of two sections that include; Section A:
Background of the participants and section B: Presentation and analysis of data.

4.1 Section A: Background information of the participants

In this section, emphasis is on Gender, age and marital status of participants.

Age composition

From the findings, 8 participants were between the ages ‘brackets of 30-50, while 2 participants
were between the ages brackets of 15-20.

This implies that the majority of the participants were in the age bracket between 30-50. This is
because those were more experienced people who gave correct information about the study.

Gender composition

According to the findings, 7 of the participants were female while other 3 were male.

This implies that the majority were female because they were right people to give correct
information about early pregnancy since they are always closed to girl children.

11
Marital status

In the findings, 6 of the participants were single while other 4 were married. This is because the
singles experienced early pregnancy when they were still young so they gave true information
about the study.

4.2 Section B: Presentation and analysis of data

This section presents the findings of the study and it’s arranged according to objectives of the
study as indicated below;

4.2.1 Factors contributing to Early Pregnancy among Girls in Primary Schools

The participants of the study pointed out bad peer groups to be one of the factors contributing to
early pregnancy among girls. This was further supported by one of the participant who was a
parent who said that;

Bad companions of children make some young girls to copy bad character which can
lead to early pregnancy

In addition, participants reported lack of advice to girls as another factor that contributes to early
pregnancy among girls.

This was stressed by one of the participants who said that;

Some parents fear to advice their daughters on sex education

Furthermore, participants of the study pointed out forced marriage as one of the factors which
leads to early pregnancy among girls.

This was further supported by one of the participants who were a teacher who said that;

Some parents force their girls for early marriage when they are still young.

In addition, participants of the study said negligence of Parents to their children by allowing
them to move to their relatives like aunts place may lead to early pregnancy.

This was stressed by one of the teachers who stated that;

There is a tendency of parents allowing girl children to visit their aunts hence they may
be practicing bad behavior from there

The participants also pointed out sharing houses with children makes girls to get early pregnancy
since they may try what the parents always do.
12
This was further supported by one of the participants who was a parent who said that;

There are some parents who are lazy to build houses to grown up children more so girls

More to that, participants of the study said that lack of finance is another factor contributing to
early pregnancy among girls in Primary schools

This was supported by one of the parents who said that;

Some parents have no money to use for buying the basic needs which girls need

The participants also pointed out alcohol as another contributing factor for early pregnancy
among girls. This was stressed by one of the parents who said that;

Children drink alcohol, which lowers their thinking ability hence ending up into
unprotected sex

In addition to that, participants also sighted media as one of the promoters of early pregnancy.

This was supported by one of the parents who said that;

Many children go to watch videos in the centers at night including girls which exposes
them to sex

Through the use of the interview guide, the researcher was able to ascertain that there are a
number of factors that lead to early pregnancies among school going girls and these included;
bad peer groups. Lack of advice to girls by parents and teachers, forced marriages as a result of
poverty, negligence of the girl child by the parents, high poverty levels, alcoholism and drug
abuse and the media influence

4.2.2 Impacts of Early Pregnancy among girls in primary schools

From the findings, the participants sighted dropping out of school as one of the impacts of early
pregnancy to young girls in Primary schools.

This was supported by one of the correspondents who is a teacher who said that;

The girls automatically drop from school due to shame and fear

Secondly, participants of the study pointed out death as another impact of early pregnancy to a
girl of primary school.

It was supported by one of the participants who said that;

13
 Early pregnancy can lead to death of young girls since they may fail to push
the baby out

In addition, participants added that some girls end up being operated because their birth canals
are not yet developed to hold and push a baby out.

This was stressed by one of the teachers who participated in the study who said that;

When the girl gets pregnant, she may fail to deliver leading to operation
which is not good

Not only had that but the participants also sighted poverty as another impact of early pregnancy
to girls.

This was further supported by one of the participants who were a parent who said that;

Another effect is that the boys or men who impregnate girls sometimes run aways leaving
the girls suffering and helpless

The participants also pointed out destruction of physical health of a girl as an impact of early
pregnancy to girls.

It was supported by one of the correspondent who was a teacher who said that;

It can also lead to disorders for example the bladder may be damaged during delivery or
operation which will lead to continuous flow of urine

During the interview sessions conducted by the researcher among the parents, teachers and
pupils (girls) a number of negative impact of early pregnancies were cited on the girls and these
include; drop out of school, death due to birth related complications, operation which sometimes
may lead to lose of a womb, poverty and destruction of physical health of the girl child.

4.2.3 Strategies to reduce early pregnancy among girls in Primary schools

According to the findings, participants pointed provision of basic needs to girl children as one of
the strategies to reduce early pregnancy among girls. This was supported by one of the girls who
said that;

Parents should provide girls with basic needs of life like clothes, pads and scholastic
materials in order to stop early pregnancy.

14
The participants also mentioned parent to child talk as another way of reducing early pregnancy
among girls in school. This was supported by one of the participants who was a girl who said
that;

A parent should have time to talk to his/her child about sex issue

In addition, participants also suggested that girls should avoid bad peer groups which may
convince them to fall in love with boys. This was further supported by one of the teachers who
said that;

Girls should avoid moving with bad peer group

The correspondents also pointed the use of condoms as one of strategies to reduce early
pregnancy. This was further supported by one of the parents who said that;

“Advice girls to use condoms when playing sex at an early stage”

Participants generally indicated that girls should avoid receiving gifts from strangers who will in
tur demand for sex in return. This was supported by one of the teachers who said that;

Girls should abandon receiving gifts from wealthy men who in most cases use money and
materials such as clothes, shoes and sweets to lure girls into sex

The respondents also indicated that girls should avoid bad touches because they arouse their
feelings for sex. This was stressed by one of the participants who was a parent who said;

Teachers should always advices girls to avoid bad touches from the opposite sex

The respondents also pointed out abstinence as one of the strategies to minimize early
pregnancies among teenage girls. This was supported by one of the girls who said;

Parents and teachers should advice the young girls to abstain from sex to finish their
education

The participants during the interview session cited a number of strategies to minimize teenage
pregnancies among girls in school is through provision of basic needs to the girl child so that
they are not lured into early sexual encounters by money and material gains, parent to child talk,
girls to avoid bad peer groups, use of condoms, avoidance of free gifts, avoidance of bad touches
and abstinence from sex.

15
 CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.0 Introduction

The purpose of this study was to examine early pregnancy among girls in Primary schools in
Acowa Sub-County, Amuria District.

The study targeted the teachers of Primary Schools, parents and girls. The data was collected
using an interview guide. The findings of this study are presented in chapter four above. This
chapter is about discussion, conclusions and recommendations of the study. As seen below;

5.1 Discussion

The discussion of the findings is organized according to study objectives as presented below;

5.1.1 Factors contributing to early pregnancy in Primary Schools

The findings presented in chapter four above show a number of factors contributing to early
pregnancies among girls in Primary schools include; Bad peer groups, negligence of parents,
sharing houses with children, lack of finance (poverty), lack of advice and forced marriages.

The findings in chapter four above show that lack of advice given to girls by their parents is one
of the factors influencing early pregnancy among girls in Primary schools. This is in agreement
with Muganda, Onyondo and Omondi (2008) who stressed that lack of parents to child
communication encourages adolescents to seek solance in sexual activity.

This finding and author’s views are in agreement because parents have got no time to stay and
talk to their children across Africa since most of them are taken by work and others go to
drinking joints as early as morning till late in the night hence leaving the children alone to do
what they feel like.

In addition, the findings in chapter four revealed poverty to be another factor leading to early
pregnancy among young girls. This concurs with Domenico and Jones (2007) who argue that in
South Africa, Poverty in some cases leads to intergenerational transactional sex that decreases a
girl’s in ability to negotiate for safe sex meaning that she may end up pregnant. These are in
agreement because Amuria and South Africa are both found in the continent of Africa where by
most African countries are poor.

Similarly, the findings pointed out lack of basic needs for girls like sanitary pads, clothes and
others as another factor that contributes to early pregnancy among girls. This is in line with
16
Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE) 2011) says that lack of basic necessities expose
girls to the risk of teenage pregnancy as girls who are not strong end up exchanging sex for
money. This finding and the author’s views agree because there are some necessities which girls
cannot do without for example sanitary pads, clothes, like knickers and soap which the girl uses
more so during monthly periods force them to look for people who can give them money for
buying the basic needs hence leading to early pregnancy.

Not only that, but the participants also pointed out drinking of alcohol by children including girl
child as another cause of early pregnancy among girls. This is in line with Krugu JK et al (2016)
who stated that during adolescence, teenagers may drink and experiment drugs fluently with their
friends at social gathering and parties drinking excessively as well as experimenting drugs may
lead to unwanted and unintentional pregnancy.

The author’s views and the finding are in line due to different kinds of alcohol being introduced
now days and the occurrence of many centers developing in the area.

Participants also stated the exposure of youth to Media as another factor leading to early
pregnancy. This is in agreement with Nguyen H, Shiu C, Farber N (2016) who suggested that
Media has a large effect on teen pregnancy, especially shows such as “teen mom” and “and
pregnant” The finding and Authors View is in agreement because blue movies are shown in
videos which may influence the girl child to go in for sex.

5.1.2 Impacts of Early pregnancy among girls in Primary Schools

In the findings presented in Chapter four above indicates most of the impacts of early pregnancy
to young girls in Primary Schools as listed below; Drop out of school, death, operation, physical
problems, prostitution; child neglect.

The findings in Chapter four presented drop out of school by girls as one of the impacts of early
pregnancy to school girls. This is in line with Universal Primary Education (UPE) (1997) which
stated that unfortunately early pregnancy of young girls in Primary schools is still increasing.
This leads to decline in attendance of girl children in Primary Schools hence high rate of school
dropout. These points are inline because there are few girls who complete the primary cycle of
education due to early pregnancy among girls in Primary Schools.

In addition, the findings also revealed prostitution as another impact of early pregnancy among
girls. This finding is in agreement with a study by KHRC/RHA which states that extreme

17
poverty forces women and girls to earn income through sexual risk behavior such as prostitution.
This is in agreement because there are many prostitutes across the world due to extreme poverty
which has been faced by girls after early pregnancy since some of them were impregnated and
the people responsible took off leaving the girls to suffer with children therefore they resort to
prostitution as a way of earning the living.

The participants pointed out lack of support from the man who impregnates the girl as another
impact of early pregnancy to young girls. This is in agreement with Gyan, C. (2013) who
expressed that teen mothers are often strained for resources and social support from the father of
the child. This is in agreement because many teen mothers have been left without the support as
the husband takes off.

Furthermore, the participants stated abandoning of children to be another impact of early

pregnancy. It is in line with Bjeli Radisic, V Haas, Greimel E (2007) who expressed that one the
baby is born, teenagers may not be willing to give their child undivided attention it needs hence
neglecting the baby.

5.1.3 Strategies to reduce early pregnancy in girls in Primary schools

In the findings presented in Chapter four above indicates most of the impacts of early pregnancy

From the findings presented in Chapter four, they indicate a number of strategies to reduce early
pregnancy among girls in primary schools as below;

Provision of basic needs by parents, parent to child communication, girls should avoid bad peer
groups, sex education.

5.2 Conclusions

From the findings of the study, it’s concluded that;

Early pregnancy is still the major caused of school drop outs in most of father primary schools in
Acowa Sub County, Amuria District. It has been noticed that the people responsible of
promoting early pregnancies are business men, wealth and rich individuals and boys and hence
reducing on the number of girls who complete the primary cycle

The major factor contributing to early pregnancies among teenage girls is poverty. Many people
out there are very poor so this makes them fail to provide their girls with basic needs hence
forcing girls to exchange sex for money so as to meet their basic needs and personal needs

18
The major impact of early pregnancy to girls in primary schools was seen to be dropout due to
shame, fear and embarrassment from other children and community

The main strategy to reduce early pregnancy among girls in primary school is parent to child
communication. This helps girls to be guided on dangers of early sex and pregnancy to her life
therefore it will help them avoid being involved in early sex which leads to early pregnancy.

5.3 Recommendations

From the findings in chapter four, the following are the recommendations of the study;

All girls ought to be guided and counselled by the senior women teachers and parents while at
school and home through gathering them together to find their problems and guide them,
accordingly so as to help to avoid being involved in early pregnancies

There is need to sensitize the parents on the needs of the girl child such as basic and personal
needs like sanitary towels clothes scholastic materials and the right to education of the girl child,
shelter, medical care among others. This sensitization should be carried out by teachers,
government and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) through village meetings and school
level meetings

There is need for schools to provide the girl child with sanitary wear and changing clothes at
school for emergency by including them in the school budget under the UPE funds in order to
maintain the girl child in school and avoid the embarrassment they go through during their
menstrual times

There is need to enact leas, policies and strictly adhere to set policies especially the defilement
law so that the potential culprits are deterred from committing such acts like defilement

There is need to institute awards and recognitions for the girl child that complete primary level.
These awards can include bursaries, mattresses, books and other school materials and scholastic
materials

There is need to emphasize on abstinence among the school children by teachers and parents
both at school and at home through guidance and counselling to reduce the risk of early
pregnancy among girls in primary school

Teachers and parents ought to report cases of early pregnancy and defilement to the responsible
authorities like the Community Development Officer (CDO) Police, probation office among

19
others and give the right and correct information in order to punish culprits so that it deters
others from committing related crimes and offenses.

Areas for further research

The relationship between poverty and school drop outs

The relationship between gifts and school completion

The relationship between peer pressure and teenage pregnancies

Causes of school dropouts especially among the girls in primary school

20
 REFERENCES

Achema (2015)  Factors responsible for teenage pregnancy and its implication on
adolescent health and education: Perception of secondary school students in Nigeria. Int J Med
Heal Res.
Ahorlu (2015)  Socio-cultural and economic factors influencing adolescents’ resilience
against the threat of teenage pregnancy: A cross-sectional survey in Accra, Ghana. Reprod
Health
Amoran,(2012). A comparative analysis of predictors of teenage pregnancy and its
prevention in a rural town in Western Nigeria. International Journal for Equity in Health
Atuyambe, Mirembe,Tumwesigye, Annika, Kirumira, & Faxelid (2008), Adolescent and adult
first time mothers’ health seeking practices during pregnancy and early motherhood in Wakiso
district, central Uganda. Reproductive Health
Ayanaw, Yalew & Azale, (2018). Prevalence and Factors Associated with Teenage
Pregnancy, Northeast Ethiopia, 2017: A Cross-Sectional Study. Journal of Pregnancy,
Babirye, Akulume, Kisakye, & Kiwanuka. (2018). Clients and Providers’ Perceptions on the
Quality and Provision of Contraceptive Services to Youths at Community Level in Rural
Uganda: A Qualitative Study. Int J Reprod Fertil Sex Health
Bjeli Haas,Greimel (2007), Impact of adolescent pregnancy on the future life of young mothers
in terms of social, familial, and educational changes, National Institutes of Health, US National
Library of Medicine
Gebregzabher, Hailu, & Assefa. (2018), Determinants of teenage pregnancy in Degua
Tembien District, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia: A community-based case- control study.
Gideon. (2013). Factors associated with adolescent pregnancy and fertility in Uganda:
analysis of the 2011 demographic and health survey data. American Journal of
Sociological Research
Gyan. (2013). The effects of teenage pregnancy on the educational attainment of girls at
Chorkor, a suburb of Accra, Journal of Educational and Social Research
Honig. (2002).  Secure relationships: Nurturing infant/toddler attachment in early care
settings, Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children. 
Jewke, Vundule, Maforah, & Jordaan. (2001), Relationship dynamics and teenage
pregnancy in South Africa, Social Science & Medicine
Bodeeb (2018), Effects of teenage pregnancy, Medline/Pubmed.
Kaye. (2008), Negotiating the transition from adolescence to motherhood: Coping with
prenatal and parenting stress in teenage mothers in Mulago hospital, Uganda. BMC
Public Health
Krugu, Mevissen, Münkel and. Ruiter (2016),  beyond love: A qualitative analysis of factors
associated with teenage pregnancy among young women with pregnancy experience in
Bolgatanga, Ghana. Cult Health Sex.
Lambani (2015), Poverty the cause of teenage pregnancy in Thulamela municipality. J Sociol
Soc Anth
21
Muhwezi, Katahoire, Banura, Mugooda, Kwesiga, et al. (2015), Perceptions and experiences of
adolescents, parents and school administrators regarding adolescent-parent
communication on sexual and reproductive health issues in urban and rural Uganda.
Reproduction Health.
Nguyen, Shiu, Farber (2016), Prevalence and factors associated with teen pregnancy in
Vietnam: Results from two national surveys.
Woodward. (2003). Does father absence place daughters at special risk for early sexual
activity and teenage pregnancy? Child Development.
UNICEF (2008), Young people and family planning: Teenage pregnancy. UNICEF Malaysia
Communications.

22
 APPENDICES
APPENDIX I: INTRODUCTORY LETTER

23
 APPENDIX 2: CONSENT LETTER

Dear Respondent:
I am Alato Betty a student of Kyambogo University pursuing a diploma in Special Needs
Education. I am carrying out a research study on examining the early pregnancies among girls in
primary schools in Acowa Sub County Amuria District

You have been identified as one of the potential participants who can inform this study through
interviews. The interview will take 45 minutes. I therefore request you to participate in this
study, whatever information you will give will be used for purposes of this study only and it will
be kept confidential.

Thank you for your support and consideration.

Yours faithfully,

…………………………

Alato Betty

A DSNEE Student – Kyambogo University.

CONFIRMATION OF ACCEPTANCE FORM

I have read and understood the purpose of the study and I hereby consent to participate.

Signature: ____________________________ Date: ___________________

24
 APPENDIX 3: UNSTRUCTURED INTERVIEW GUIDE FOR TEACHERS AND
PARENTS

Introduction

This interview guide is intended to gather information from parents and teachers of Angolebwal
and Adepar Primary schools. The information gathered in this research is intended for academic
purposes in partial fulfilment for the award of Diploma of Special Needs of Kyambogo
University under the topic examining the early pregnancies among girls in primary schools in
Acowa Sub County Amuria District.

SECTION A: Background information

Could you please tell me about yourself?

Probe age, marital status, disability

SECTION B: Questions

1. How often do cases of early pregnancies occur in your community and how were they
handled?
2. What are the contributing factors to early pregnancies among girls in primary schools in your
schools?
3. How does early pregnancy impact on the girls that become victims
4. What are the general effects of early pregnancies of primary school girls to your community?
5. What has been done to reduce on the incidences of early pregnancies in your community
6. What measures can you put forward in order to minimize early pregnancies among girls in
primary school?
7. Is there any other information you would like to share regarding early pregnancies among
girls in primary school.

Thank you very much for your time, support and cooperation. Your information will be treated
with the highest level of confidentiality and shall be used for academic purposes.

25