Qualitative Exploration of the Experiences and Challenges of Adolescents during Pregnancy

Mashala, Portia; Esterhuizen, Rita; Basson, Wilna; Nel, Kathryn

doi:10.1080/14330237.2012.10874520

Cited by 13 publications

(23 citation statements)

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“…Previous studies also found that the disclosure of an adolescent pregnancy could upset family members and result in strained relationships. 19,25 The participants in our study reported that their fathers were not supportive ,while their mothers were more supportive once they had grown used to the idea. Strained father-daughter relationships following the disclosure of an adolescent pregnancy were found in South Africa and Swaziland.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 79%

“…Strained father-daughter relationships following the disclosure of an adolescent pregnancy were found in South Africa and Swaziland. 19,25 The revelation of suicidal ideation, anger, guilt and shame confirms that pregnant adolescents experience psychological distress. One study suggests that the risk of suicide is three times greater in pregnant adolescents than in adult pregnant women.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 95%

“…Prior studies also noted that many adolescent pregnancies were unintended. 7,10,[18][19][20] An important finding was that some young women were victims of imposed pregnancies, which is a phenomenon that is prevalent in South Africa due to societal pressure, 21 particularly as some men need to 'prove' their fertility. 22 In sub-Saharan Africa, childbearing and motherhood are regarded as integral parts of a woman's life that it is her duty.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Such pregnancies were also reported by Mohammadi et al, 24 who found this practice prevalent among married adolescent Iranian women. Mashala et al 19 and Ntinda et al 25 suggest that adolescents may justify their pregnancies by assigning complete responsibility to their partners.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Leese 2 also found that adolescent mothers realised that their children's needs had to be put before their own. Loneliness, disruption of schooling, the lack of a social life, anxiety and stress are common in the lives of adolescent mothers, 8,19,41,42 while an unsupportive family and a judgmental society also fuel loneliness and depression in adolescent mothers. 43,44 Clearly, the transition to motherhood can be stressful for adolescents, 8,40 but this study found that they associated their parental responsibilities with nurturing their children.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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“I have to provide for another life emotionally, physically and financially”: Understanding pregnancy, motherhood and the future aspirations of adolescent mothers in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Govender¹,

Naidoo²,

Taylor³

2019

Preprint

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Background Adolescent pregnancy and adolescent parenting have been controversial and much disputed subjects in the field of public health. There are increasing concerns that the psychosocial challenges that adolescent mothers face may remain in the background because research in this field has mainly focused on the medical complications of early childbearing. Aim The aim of this qualitative study was to explore adolescent pregnancy and motherhood in order to understand this phenomenon from the perspective of adolescent mothers and to gain insight into their future aspirations. Methods This descriptive qualitative study utilised data that were generated from focus group discussions with adolescent mothers who utilised healthcare services at a hospital in the Ugu district in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Adolescent mothers reported a range of positive and negative experiences. Some adolescent mothers’ partners were in denial and rejected them and the child, while others’ partners were happy and supported them during their pregnancy. Families’ reactions to the pregnancies ranged between anger and disappointment to abandonment, the “silent treatment”, and acceptance and forgiveness. The psychological issues experienced by some of the adolescent mothers included suicidal ideation, guilt, loneliness, anxiety, and stress. They also experienced financial constraints, difficulty in returning to school, and stigmatisation by society. The participants envisioned completing their education, focusing on their dream careers, and contributing positively to society. Conclusion Experiences of adolescent pregnancy and parenting are multifaceted and the healthcare needs of pregnant and parenting adolescents extend beyond information and knowledge. A multidisciplinary approach is required in the care of adolescent mothers. A key policy priority should encompass the collaboration of different professionals from various healthcare sectors to assist adolescent mothers in achieving better health and psychosocial and socio-economic outcomes as steps to securing a better future for themselves and their children.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 79%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 95%