Authors: Karina Geranios, Madison Mathews, Connor Baird
Mentors: Robert Kagabo
Insitution: Utah Tech University
Abstract: Addressing Teenage Pregnancy and Related Public Health Issues in Rhino Camp Refugee Settlements in Uganda
Introduction
When individuals cross international borders for fear of persecution due to reasons such as their race, belonging to a particular religion, or political group and seeking safety, they become refugees in the new host country. In most resource deprived countries, these refugees are placed in refugee camps where they receive necessities such as food, water, medical care, or shelter. However, in some cases even in these intended safe refugee camps there are many social and public health challenges mostly due to overcrowding. Teenage pregnancy, which is girls getting pregnant between the ages 10-19 is one of those issues not well investigated within refugee camps. Teenage pregnancy is associated with several adverse outcomes for young mothers including intergenerational cycles of poverty and is the leading cause of death among adolescent girls.
Methods
Using constructs from the community-based participatory research approach, the authors used mixed methods study in June 2023 to collaborate with community members to assess and initiate culturally acceptable teenage pregnancy interventions in Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement. Play and sports activities were used to enhance collaborative efforts between community members and researchers.
Findings
Measures intended to decrease the spread of Covid-19 such as tough lockdowns might have increased risk sexual behaviors and abuse and therefore increased teenage pregnancy. Community leaders are in search of appropriate interventions to reduce teenage pregnancy and provide education to teenage mothers.
Conclusion
The study resulted in a collaborative interest between researchers, public health providers, and community leaders to identify culturally acceptable teenage pregnancy measures of intervention. Organized play activities, and menstrual clinics proved to be excellent ways to share teenage pregnancy and related public health challenges information including preventive measures.