Factors associated with repeat childbirth among Adolescent Mothers in Soroti District, Teso sub-region, Uganda: A cross-sectional study

The percentage of adolescent mothers aged 15 to 19 years with a repeat childbirth in Uganda (26.1%) is higher than the global estimate (18.5%). Soroti district tops Teso (a region with highest adolescent childbearing rate nationally) in adolescent childbearing. Adolescent repeat childbearing (ARC) is associated with poor health outcomes, increased risk of stillbirth, maternal and child mortality, thus a public health concern. The factors associated with, and the burden, of ARC remains unknown in Soroti district. Consequently, interventions which combat ARC in Soroti district have not been informed by empirical data. This study determined the proportion of adolescent mothers with, and factors associated with, repeat childbirth among adolescent mothers in Soroti district. We conducted a cross-sectional study involving mixed methods of data collection. Interviewer-administered structured interviews were conducted amongst 422 adolescent mothers. Demographic and socio-economic data of respondents, data regarding respondents family and peer related factors was collected. Chi-square was the test statistics used. Multivariate analysis was by logistic regression. Of the 422 respondents, 31.28% (132) were married. Proportion of respondents with repeat childbirth was at 30.81% (95%CI: 26.57%-35.39%). Risk factors of ARC were (a) being married, AOR 5.74 (95%CI: 3.08-10.68), (b) incorrect knowledge of rhythm method, AOR 2.15 (95%CI: 1.21-3.82), (c) Age at first birth, AOR 0.48 (95%CI: 0.36-0.63). Protective factors of ARC included (a) not drinking alcohol, AOR 0.41(95%CI: 0.21-0.77), not being raped, AOR 0.19(95%CI: 0.06-0.55), having first childbirth from health facility, AOR 0.38 (95%CI: 0.18-0.78) and father of first baby without multiple sexual partners, AOR 0.40(95%CI: 0.22-0.72). In conclusion, sexual partner characteristics were associated with ARC suggesting male involvement (for example in family planning) in prevention of ARC. In addition, strengthening the implementation of anti-teen marriage programs and alcohol consumption policies, and instating measures to delay age at first delivery among adolescent mothers are required. Further research is needed to validate these findings.