Drivers of teenage pregnancy among school dropouts during the COVID-19 school closure in Wakiso District, Uganda, 2020–2021

Abstract Introduction: Teenage pregnancy remains a major problem in Uganda. During 2020–2021, many schools were closed to control the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), which might have led to teenage pregnancies. We assessed drivers of teenage pregnancies among school dropouts during the COVID-19 school closure in Wakiso District, Uganda. Methods We conducted a phenomenological qualitative study during September–December 2022 using in-depth interviews among teenage school dropouts aged 13–19 years who became pregnant during the COVID-19 school closure (2020–2021). We also conducted key informant interviews with key leaders in the district. Questions focused on socio-demographic, behavioral, and health services drivers to teenage pregnancy. Data were analyzed using content analysis, and themes/sub-themes were generated. Results We interviewed 15 teenage girls and seven key informants. Mean age of the teenage girls was 15.6 ± 2.6 years. Three themes (socio-economic drivers, behavioral drivers, and health services drivers) and eight sub-themes emerged as drivers of teenage pregnancy for this population. The two sub-themes under socio-economic drivers included lost family income and living in risky neighborhoods. Under the behavioral drivers, we identified increased peer influence, indulgence in alcohol, and lack of recreational activities as our sub-themes. For the health services drivers, three sub-themes that could have led to teenage pregnancy included inaccessibility to sexual and reproductive health services, poor attitude of health workers, and shortage of health workers. Conclusion The findings of this study underscore the multifaceted nature of drivers of teenage pregnancy as a result of COVID-19 school closures. We recommend comprehensive appropriate counseling for teenagers during future situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic.