| dc.description.abstract | Introduction:
Antenatal careis crucialforpositivepregnancyoutcomesandisdependentonthetimingandquality
of care. It promotes health education and helps identify and manage maternal complications and risk
factors.InSub-SaharanAfrica, pregnancy complications andchildbirthare the leading causeofdeath
for women aged 10-19. This study examined teenage mothers’ experiences and perceptions of accessing
and utilizing antenatal care services in the Nakivale refugee settlement, Isingiro district.
Methodology:
A phenomenological study was conducted on teenage mothers in Nakivale, using a snowball sampling
method. Key informant interviews were conducted, lasting 45 minutes -1 hour. Ethical clearance was
obtained from Bishop Stuart University REC and informed consent was obtained from participants.
Data was analyzed thematically using Nvivo version 12.
Results:Teenage mothers face challenges utilizing antenatal care services including negative treat ment from family and community members. However, positive feelings of responsibility alleviate stress,
making early mothers more resilient.
Conclusions:
Access toANCservices is closely linkedto itsutilization, but societal discriminationagainstteenage
mothers affects ANC utilization. Teenage-friendly spaces in Nakivale significantly influenced access
and utilization of ANC services.
Recommendations:
The study suggests establishing customized ANC services for teenage mothers in the Nakivale refugee
settlement, Isingiro district, to enhance access and utilization of ANC. | en_US |
