Adolescent fertility in Kampala, Uganda: knowledge, perceptions and practice
Agyei, W.K.; Epema, E.
Biology and Society the Journal of the Eugenics Society 7(4): 203-214
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0266-3880 PMID: 12316709 Document Number: 375023
The Adolescent Fertility Survey of Kampala, Uganda in 1988 queried 1133 adolescents, 335 male and 798 female, aged 15-24, using methods drawn from those of the Demographic and Health Surveys. While 45% of the males were in school and 39% were working, it was noted that 57% of the females were not active. 51% of the women were single, 26% were married, 18% were cohabiting. 85% of both sexes were sexually experienced. Mean age of 1st coitus was 15.7 for males and 15.3 for females. By age 17 30% of the women had 1 or more pregnancies. 1 in 8 was currently pregnant. The respondents had an average of 2.15 pregnancies. 23% of those who had been pregnant stated that they had 1 or more abortions, 38% of single and 19% of married women. By age 22-24 40% of the men and 80% of women had children. Information about reproductive health was obtained from friends, school and relatives. 87% could name a MOH approved contraceptive. 69% believed that unmarried people should use contraceptives. 24% use or had used contraceptives, but 2/3 were not using any method. The stated reasons for not using were the belief that contraceptives are unsafe, objections by the male partner or insufficient knowledge. Ugandan institutions generally oppose provision of contraceptives to young people.