The Influence of Family Structures, Support Systems and Teenage Mothers’ Agency in Kanungu District, Uganda

Abstract

The situation of teenage motherhood in Kanungu District, Uganda, is characterized by significant socio-economic and health problems. This study aimed at establishing the relationship between family structures and support systems and teenage mothers’ agency, especially in relation to health care, education and social support. Data were collected from 345 teenage mothers (13–19 years) using structured questionnaires and analyzed using R version 4.5.0. The results indicated that 66.4% of the respondents lived in nuclear families and open family communication was found to enhance agency (χ² = 12.45, p = 0.002) while limited communication was found to decrease decision making power. Although grandparent-headed households were noted (10.2% in Kihihi Town Council), structural differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.006). Weak family support was found to be associated with high economic needs (72%) and social exclusion (66.1%), and second teenage pregnancies were more frequent among those with poor family relations (χ² = 10.78, p = 0.001). In conclusion, although family structure alone was not a significant factor, communication quality and family support were found to be the most important factors that influenced teenage mothers’ agency. It is therefore recommended that emotional support, family counseling, education re-entry programs, and community-based support networks should be enhanced.