| dc.description | Introduction/Objectives: The timing of first pregnancy among young women has an impact on the life of the mother, the children and the health indicators of a country. Early timing of first pregnancy (conceiving the first pregnancy at a younger age) is associated with increased complications of pregnancy labor and pueperium. In this particular study I intended to demonstrate the influence of contraceptive use and other factors on the timing of first pregnancy among young women attending Jinja regional referral hospital. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. It was conducted in Jinja hospital. A total of 299 women aged between 12-24 years presenting to the antenatal clinic in Jinja hospital with their first pregnancy were interviewed using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. 158 women were recruited from the 12-19 year age group while another 141 women were recruited among the 20-24 year age group. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis of data was carried out. Results: There was no statistically significant correlation between contraceptive use and the timing of first pregnancy. Age at marriage, religion, non exposure to sex education messages, age at first coitus, level of formal education, the person(s) the respondent grew up with, knowledge on contraception and marital status were statistically significant predictors for the timing of first pregnancy. Conclusion Contraceptive use did not have a statistically significant impact on the timing of first pregnancy among young women attending Jinja referral hospital in Uganda. Socio-demographic and environmental factors demonstrated a significant impact on the timing of first pregnancy. | |
