Browsing by Author "Rosamond Atenga"

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    Factors Associated With Utilisation of Postpartum Family Planning Among Adolescent Mothers at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital, Mubende District
    (Uganda Christian University, 2025-09-19) Rosamond Atenga
    Postpartum family planning (PPFP) is critical in preventing unplanned pregnancies and improving maternal and child health outcomes. Despite national efforts in Uganda, adolescent mothers continue to exhibit low PPFP utilization, particularly in rural settings like Mubende District. This study aimed to determine the level of PPFP utilization and its associated factors among adolescent mothers at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital. A cross-sectional study employing both quantitative and qualitative approaches was conducted among 123 postpartum adolescent mothers aged 13–19 years. Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants at the postnatal care clinic. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS v25, employing descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression to determine predictors of PPFP utilization. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The overall PPFP utilization rate was 61.8%. Injectables were the most commonly used method (48.5%), followed by implants (7.2%). Statistically significant predictors of PPFP utilization included discussing FP with a partner (p = 0.002), prior use of FP methods (p = 0.000), intention to use FP (p = 0.003), and being visited by a health worker (p = 0.020). Leadership support within the community was also significantly associated with PPFP uptake (p = 0.029). Multivariate analysis confirmed partner discussion (B = 0.349), type of method used (B = 0.359), and health worker visits (B = 0.344) as strong predictors. Despite moderate levels of PPFP utilization among adolescent mothers in Mubende, key factors such as partner involvement, method awareness, and health worker engagement significantly influence uptake. Interventions should prioritize couple counseling, community leader involvement, and adolescent-friendly services to improve PPFP coverage. The postpartum period, particularly the first 12 months following childbirth, presents a critical opportunity to initiate family planning (FP) interventions to prevent unintended pregnancies and improve maternal and child health outcomes. Globally, over 90% of women in the postpartum period express a desire to delay or avoid future pregnancies, yet many resume sexual activity without using contraceptives, increasing the risk of adverse health outcomes for both mothers and infants. Short inter-pregnancy intervals have been linked to complications such as miscarriage, anemia, and low birthweight. Postpartum Family Planning (PPFP) is defined as the prevention of unintended and closely spaced pregnancies during the first 12 months following childbirth. Despite its importance, PPFP remains underutilized, particularly among adolescents in low-resource settings. In Uganda, although 40% of women use modern FP methods, postpartum adolescent mothers exhibit significantly lower uptake rates (28%). In Mubende District, where adolescent deliveries constitute nearly half of all hospital births, PPFP coverage remains inadequate. Previous studies have largely focused on general populations of women, with limited attention to adolescents, a group particularly vulnerable to repeat pregnancies, school dropout, and socio-economic disadvantage. Moreover, few studies have explored PPFP uptake among adolescents in rural Ugandan settings such as Mubende. This study therefore aimed to determine the level of utilization and identify individual, community, and health facility-related factors associated with PPFP utilization among adolescent mothers at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital.