Susan Moding2026-07-242026-07-242026-06-12https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11951/2214PostgraduateBackground: Adolescent mothers face heightened risks during pregnancy and childbirth, particularly in marginalized and hard-to-reach regions such as Karamoja. Understanding the factors influencing perinatal care utilization among adolescent mothers is essential for improving utilization of perinatal care services and reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. This study examined factors influencing utilization of perinatal care services among adolescent mothers in Kotido District, Uganda, guided by the Socio-Ecological Model. Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional survey design. A sample of 200 adolescent mothers was selected using cluster sampling where the researcher zeroed to a particular sub county, and parishes and selected villages which had the highest population of early and teenage pregnancies, and administered questionnaires to them. Data were collected using structured questionnaires. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential analysis. Bivariate analysis was conducted using the Chi-square test to determine the likelihood of selected factors influencing perinatal care utilization among adolescent mothers. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The findings indicated a relatively high level of perinatal care utilization among adolescent mothers in Kotido District. Specifically, 78% of respondents reported attending routine antenatal care services, and 80.4% delivered in public health facilities under the care of skilled birth attendants. Bivariate analysis showed that age at marriage (individual factor), place of residence (relational factor), cultural beliefs (community factor), and availability of healthcare services (societal factor) were significantly associated with perinatal care utilization among adolescent mothers. Conclusion: The study concludes that perinatal care utilization among adolescent mothers in Kotido District is shaped by multi-level factors operating at individual, relational, community, and societal levels, consistent with the Socio-Ecological Model. While overall utilization of maternal healthcare services was relatively high, targeted interventions addressing cultural practices, and service availability are necessary to sustain and further improve adolescent mothers’ engagement with perinatal care services. Keywords: Perinatal care utilization, adolescent mothersenThesis