Experiences of seeking Antenatal Care and Delivery among teenagers at health facilities in Kibuku District, Eastern Uganda

Background: Uganda is ranked 14th out of 54 countries in Africa with the highest levels of teenage pregnancies. The teenage pregnancy rate in Kibuku District in 2016 was 35.8%, high above the average rate in Uganda (25%). It was also above the average for rural areas in Uganda (27%). Unfortunately, there is limited information on the experiences of seeking antenatal care and delivery among teenagers. This paper explored what these teenagers experienced when they sought services at health facilities in Kibuku district, Eastern Uganda. Methods: This study used a phenomenological design. Data was collected using in-depth interviews from 27 teenagers aged 14-19 years seeking antenatal care (ANC) or who had delivered. The teenagers were purposively selected to participate in the study. Data collected was thematically inductively analyzed through coding. Result: The study showed that most teenage mothers knew the importance of seeking ANC and delivery from a health facility. Unfortunately, only a few sought services early due to some experiences. These included: financial constraints, support from their caregivers who included husbands and parents, medication and health education given.  The teenagers were motivated to attend ANC and were treated well by health workers. However, the majority of the teenagers did not have the decision making power to seek care.     Conclusion: Teenage mothers knew the importance of seeking ANC and delivery at health facilities. Their experiences with the health facilities also contributed to the health seeking behavior of the teenagers. This included: the comfort received by the girls at the facility, medication administered, how they were treated by the health workers and the availability of utilities. Health and social workers could consider sensitizing teenagers and the care givers about the delicate nature of their health when they are pregnant so that they make personal decisions.