Exploring the psychosocial challenges faced by pregnant teenagers in Ditsobotla subdistrict

Abstract

This study explores and describes the psychosocial challenges faced by pregnant teenagers in the Ditsobotla subdistrict. Setting:The study was conducted in three health centres in the Ditsobotla subdistrict.Methods: A qualitative-exploratory-descriptive and contextual research design was used. Non-probability purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used to select the participants. Semistructured individual interviews through WhatsApp video calls were used to collect data, which were analysed using conventional content analysis.Results: Three themes emerged from the findings of the study, namely psychological challenges, social challenges and suggestions to address psychosocial challenges faced by pregnant teenagers. Conclusion:The findings established that pregnant teenagers in the Ditsobotla subdistrict are faced with psychosocial challenges which negatively impact their psychological health and social life. Suggestions made in this study have the potential to improve the psychosocial well-being of pregnant teenagers in the Ditsobotla subdistrict if implemented. Contributions:The findings of this study provide important information that may be used to improve the psychosocial well-being of pregnant teenagers in the Ditsobotla subdistrict.

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“…The findings reveal that these teenagers experience mental problems, specifically depression and stress, as most of them find themselves worrying about many things during their pregnancy or parenting journey. This is consistent with the findings of other studies that pregnancy poses a serious challenge to the mental health of pregnant and parenting adolescents [22][23][24][25]. In addition, adolescents indicated that the contributing factors to most of their worries include problems with their families and friends related to support and acceptance of their pregnancy.…”

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“…Pregnant adolescents often experience psychosocial challenges, such as a great deal of stress when dealing with an unwanted pregnancy, lack of preparation for parenthood, lack of income, and birth complications-complicated by the stigma from their families, friends, and community. Unaddressed psychosocial challenges during adolescent pregnancy can negatively affect health outcomes for both mother and child [18].…”

Early Parenthood Experiences in Davao City, Philippines

“…According to Ntshayintshayi et al (2022), pregnant teenagers felt that they disappointed their families and society. Pregnant teenagers and their families, school, and community recognize the consequences of early childbearing as a social deficiency.…”

“…Some even use provocative words. Due to early pregnancy, pregnant adolescents encounter stigmatization, rejection, social exclusion, and mockery from their families, peers, and community (Ntshayintshayi et al, 2022).…”

“…Consequent realization of social roles of adulthood, physical modifications of puberty, essential cognitive development, and changes linked to childbearing and motherhood make the life of young mothers truly complicated. Ntshayintshayi et al (2022) argued that most women with unplanned pregnancies tend to react retroactively to the news of their childbearing. Teenagers had to make sense of their journey, and some expressed extensive emotions of remorse, regret, and guilt for having a sexual relationship well after finding out about their pregnancy.…”