Assessment of factors associated with reproductive health seeking behaviours among adolescent mothers in Dodoma region

Abstract

Background: Adolescent pregnancy poses a significant public health concern due to its association with high levels of maternal morbidity and mortality, particularly in sub-Saharan countries. For early detection and management of obstetric danger signs, appropriate health seeking behaviors on reproductive health among adolescent mother is highly recommended so as to decrease maternal mortality and morbidity related to pregnancy. This study aims to assess the factors influencing reproductive health-seeking behaviors among adolescent pregnant mothers in Dodoma region. Methods: A community cross-sectional analytical study will be conducted, involving multistage sampling to recruit 604 adolescent pregnant mothers. Face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires will be utilized to assess predisposing, enabling, and need factors, as well as knowledge and attitudes regarding obstetric danger signs. Data analysis will be performed using SPSS software version 25. Descriptive statistics will be used to analyze background information, while inferential statistics, including chi-square and logistic regression, will determine associations between variables. Results: This study will display the trend in utilization of reproductive health as well as predisposing, need and enabling factor associated with health seeking behaviors. A statistically significant variable in the final model will be identified with a 95% confidence interval and a p-value of < 0.05. Conclusions: This study will provide a clear picture of the level of knowledge, attitude, and health-seeking behaviors which is crucial for preventing delay number one of seeking health care immediately after experiencing complications also gives a picture of the role of healthcare workers in promoting health among vulnerable populations. Keywords: Adolescent pregnancy, health-seeking behaviors, obstetric danger signs, reproductive health, knowledge, attitude.