UTILIZATION OF ANTENATAL CARE SERVICES AMONG REFUGEE TEENAGE MOTHERS AT NAKIVALE REFUGEE SETTLEMENT IN WESTERN UGANDA. A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY

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.