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Philibert L, Lapierre J, Mulatris P, Kiki GM, Prophète A, Ntanda GM. Healthcare professionals' experience of teenage pregnancy and motherhood in Haiti. Int J Adolesc Med Health 2024; 36:243-250. [PMID: 38575145 DOI: 10.1515/ijamh-2023-0157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to explore healthcare professionals' experience of pregnant and motherhood in adolescence in Haiti. METHODS The methodology for collecting and analyzing qualitative data was based on John Dewey's social survey. The study was conducted in nine health institutions in the North and North-East departments of Haiti from October 2020 to January 2021. Data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews with 15 healthcare professionals. All interviews were audio-recorded. The recordings were listened to carefully and transcribed in verbatim form. After checking and validation, the verbatims in Word format were exported to QDA Miner software version 6.0.5 for coding. The data were analyzed using Paillé and Mucchielli thematic analyses. RESULTS Health professionals such as gynecologists, nurses, midwives, nursing assistants, matrons and health workers took part in the study. These study participants indicate that teenage pregnancy and motherhood are social and public health problems whose negative consequences affect teenage girls, children, healthcare professionals, the healthcare system, and Haitian society in general. The services offered to adolescent girls are medical, educational, psychological, economic, and social in nature. When caring for pregnant adolescents during the transition to motherhood, healthcare professionals face many challenges that are linked to the socio-economic status and physiological reality of adolescents, as well as the healthcare system. CONCLUSIONS Programs involving home care visits should also be set up to offer ongoing support to pregnant or parenting teenagers. The distribution of food aid or materials such as clothing, hygiene products and baby kits should also be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léonel Philibert
- 647717 Université de l'Ontario français , Toronto, ON, Canada
- Faculty of Nursing, 4440 Université Laval , Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Judith Lapierre
- Faculty of Nursing, 4440 Université Laval , Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Paulin Mulatris
- 647717 Université de l'Ontario français , Toronto, ON, Canada
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Muthelo L, Mbombi MO, Mphekgwana P, Mabila LN, Dhau I, Tlouyamma J, Mashaba RG, Mothapo K, Ntimane CB, Seakamela KP, Nemuramba R, Maimela E, Sodi T. Exploring mental health problems and support needs among pregnant and parenting teenagers in rural areas Of Limpopo, South Africa. BMC Womens Health 2024; 24:236. [PMID: 38614989 PMCID: PMC11015670 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-03040-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, teenage pregnancy is among the most social problems, affecting 21 million adolescents aged 15-19. Due to the increased responsibility of prenatal and postnatal care for their infants without support, pregnant and parenting teenagers, tend to experience mental health problems. Factors contributing to these problems among pregnant and parenting teenagers in rural African settings have hardly received scholarly attention and, therefore, are less understood. The purpose of the study was to explore mental health and challenges among pregnant and parenting teenagers,. METHOD(S) The study adopted a qualitative descriptive, exploratory, and phenomenological design. Purposive sampling was used to select 22 pregnant and parenting teenagers 18 years or older. Data were collected in ten selected clinics within the Demographic Surveillance Systems (HDSS) of DIMAMO and analysed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS The findings reveal that pregnant and parenting teenagers in rural areas experience various mental challenges such as depression. These challenges are caused by social problems such as stigmatisation, lack of support from families and friends, as well as parenting demands that contribute to poor progress at school or dropouts. Pregnant teens expressed concerns about the lack of spousal support resulting from abandoning their partners. CONCLUSIONS Stress and depression were self-reported as mental problems among participants with various psychosocial implications, such as school dropout and miscarriage. There are various contributing factors to the mental health problems identified among pregnant and parenting teenagers, including inadequate family and spousal support. Access to integrated reproductive, psychosocial, and mental health services could be essential for these pregnant and parenting teenagers, to improve their mental well-being and improve the support system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livhuwani Muthelo
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Limpopo, SOVENGA, Private Bag X1106, Polokwane, 0727, South Africa.
| | - Masenyani Oupa Mbombi
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Limpopo, SOVENGA, Private Bag X1106, Polokwane, 0727, South Africa
| | - Peter Mphekgwana
- Research Administration and Development, University of Limpopo, SOVENGA, Private Bag X1106, Polokwane, 0727, South Africa
| | - Linneth Nkateko Mabila
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Limpopo, SOVENGA, Private Bag X1106, Polokwane, 0727, South Africa
| | - Inos Dhau
- Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Limpopo, SOVENGA, Private Bag X1106, Polokwane, 0727, South Africa
| | - Joseph Tlouyamma
- Department of Computer Science, University of Limpopo, SOVENGA, Private Bag X1106, Polokwane, 0727, South Africa
| | - Reneilwe Given Mashaba
- DIMAMO Population Health Research Centre, University of Limpopo, SOVENGA, Private Bag X1106, Polokwane, 0727, South Africa
| | - Katlego Mothapo
- DIMAMO Population Health Research Centre, University of Limpopo, SOVENGA, Private Bag X1106, Polokwane, 0727, South Africa
| | - Cairo Bruce Ntimane
- DIMAMO Population Health Research Centre, University of Limpopo, SOVENGA, Private Bag X1106, Polokwane, 0727, South Africa
| | - Kagiso Peace Seakamela
- DIMAMO Population Health Research Centre, University of Limpopo, SOVENGA, Private Bag X1106, Polokwane, 0727, South Africa
| | - Rathani Nemuramba
- DIMAMO Population Health Research Centre, University of Limpopo, SOVENGA, Private Bag X1106, Polokwane, 0727, South Africa
| | - Eric Maimela
- Department of Public Health, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, SOVENGA 0727, Polokwane, South Africa
| | - Tholene Sodi
- Research Chair Mental Health, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Polokwane, 0727, SOVENGA, South Africa
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Wang H, van Wijngaarden J, Buljac-Samardzic M, van de Klundert J. Factors and interventions determining the functioning of health care teams in county-level hospitals in less affluent areas of China: a qualitative study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1082070. [PMID: 37841739 PMCID: PMC10568023 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1082070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Teamwork is essential for the quality and safety of care, and research on teamwork in health care has developed rapidly in many countries. However, evidence from less affluent, non-Western countries is scarce, while improving teamwork may be especially relevant to be able to increase the quality of care in these settings. This study aims to understand the main factors that influence, and interventions used to improve, the functioning of health care teams in the context of county-level hospitals in less affluent areas of China. Methods We conducted semistructured interviews to explore the factors that influence team functioning and the interventions implemented to improve team functioning in these hospitals. 15 hospital presidents and 15 team leaders were selected as respondents. Results From the interviews, we have identified five main factors that influence team functioning in these hospitals: "stuck in the middle", local county setting, difficulty in attracting and retaining talent, strong focus on task design, and strong focus on leadership. The interventions for improving team functioning can mostly be categorized as the following: 1) measures to attract and retain talent (e.g., increase salary, train talent in national or provincial level hospitals, and provide fast-track promotions), 2) interventions focused on monodisciplinary teams (e.g., changing the team structure and leadership, and skill training), and 3) interventions to establish and improve multidisciplinary teams (e.g., simulation training and continuous team process improvements). Conclusion With the introduction of multidisciplinary teams, interventions into team processes have started to receive more attention. The findings depict an overview of the main factors and interventions as specifically relevant for team functioning in county-level hospitals in less affluent areas of China and may help these hospitals benefit from additional process interventions to improve teamwork and the quality of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hujie Wang
- Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jeroen van Wijngaarden
- Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Martina Buljac-Samardzic
- Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Joris van de Klundert
- Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- School of Business, Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Santiago, Chile
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Ogunlana MO, Oyewole OO, Fafolahan A, Govender P. Exploring community reintegration among Nigerian stroke survivors. SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOTHERAPY 2023; 79:1857. [PMID: 37415852 PMCID: PMC10319923 DOI: 10.4102/sajp.v79i1.1857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Community reintegration is one of the ultimate goals of stroke rehabilitation. The increasing burden of stroke morbidity by other non-communicable diseases in Nigeria indicated the need for our study. Objectives The authors explored the factors contributing to successful community reintegration among Nigerian stroke survivors. Method We conducted an explorative qualitative study design to achieve this aim using in-depth semi-structured interviews with 12-purposively sampled stroke survivors. Results Three overarching themes emerged: restriction of participation experienced by stroke survivors, activity limitation as pointers to the quality-of-life experience of stroke survivors and enablers or barriers to community reintegration for stroke survivors. Among the core, sub-themes included incapability of returning to work, difficulty performing domestic activities, social isolation or separation, recreation and leisure time. Enablers of community reintegration included creating a positive mindset, encouragement and social support, while barriers included mobility and speech or language challenges. Conclusion Stroke survivors have challenges in returning to work and experience varying levels of activity limitation, which affects their quality of life with identifiable enablers or barriers to community reintegration. Clinical implications Stroke survivors with severe functional deficits should be monitored closely and given further rehabilitative assistance to aid functional recovery, thereby facilitating community reintegration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael O Ogunlana
- Department of Physiotherapy, Federal Medical Centre Abeokuta, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
- Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Olufemi O Oyewole
- Department of Physiotherapy, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Nigeria
| | - Abiola Fafolahan
- Department of Physiotherapy, Federal Medical Centre Abeokuta, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Pragashnie Govender
- Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Crooks R, Bedwell C, Lavender T. Adolescent experiences of pregnancy in low-and middle-income countries: a meta-synthesis of qualitative studies. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:702. [PMID: 36096763 PMCID: PMC9469636 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-05022-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fertility rates among adolescents have fallen globally, yet the greatest incidence remains in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). Gaining insight into adolescents needs and experiences of pregnancy will help identify if context specific services meet their needs and how to optimise pregnancy experiences. A meta-synthesis of qualitative studies considering adolescent experiences of pregnancy in LMICs has not yet been published. Aim To synthesise available qualitative evidence to provide greater understanding of the needs and experiences of adolescents who become pregnant in low-and middle-income countries. Methods An extensive search utilised six databases and citations searching. Studies were included if they were of a qualitative or mixed methods design. Participants lived in LMICs and were adolescents who were pregnant, had experienced pregnancy during adolescence or were an adolescent male partner. Relevant studies were assessed for quality to determine suitability for inclusion. A meta-ethnography approach was used to generate themes and a final line of argument. Results After screening and quality assessment 21 studies were included. The meta-ethnography generated four themes, A wealth of emotions, I am not ready, Impactful relationships and Respectful and disrespectful care. Unplanned, unwanted and unacceptable pregnancies were a source of shame, with subsequent challenging personal relationships and frequently a lack of needed support. Even when pregnancy was wanted, adolescents faced the internal conflict of their desires not always aligning with socio-cultural, religious and family expectations. Access, utilisation and experiences of care were significantly impacted by adolescents’ relationships with others, the level of respectful care experienced, and engagement with adolescent friendly services. Conclusions Adolescents who experience pregnancy in LMICs deserve support to meet their personal and pregnancy needs; efforts are needed to tailor the support provided. A lack of a health care provider knowledge and skills is an obstacle to optimal support, with more and better training integral to increasing the availability of adolescent friendly and respectful care. Adolescents should be involved in the planning of health care services and supported to make decisions about their care. The diversity across countries mean policy makers and other stakeholders need to consider how these implications can be realised in each context. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-022-05022-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Crooks
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Carol Bedwell
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Tina Lavender
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
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Ximba SW, Baloyi OB, Ann Jarvis M. Midwives' perceived role in up referral of high-risk pregnancies in primary healthcare settings, eThekwini district, South Africa. Health SA 2021; 26:1546. [PMID: 33824728 PMCID: PMC8008006 DOI: 10.4102/hsag.v26i0.1546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background South African maternal and neonatal mortality rates remain unnecessarily high, which are considered avoidable through timeous identification, treatment and referral. An efficient referral process of high-risk pregnant women is dependent on the midwives’ ability to respond with relevance to the maternal and neonatal healthcare needs. The attainment of improved maternal and neonatal outcomes commences at the primary healthcare level, with the midwife, recognised as the first person responsible and accountable for pregnant women’s healthcare. Aim To explore midwives’ perceptions of their role in the referral of high-risk pregnant women from primary health care clinics to expert-centred sites. Methods A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive in nature approach, underpinned by a social constructivism paradigm, guided the methodology. Purposive sampling was used to select both the primary health care clinics in the feeder zone and the registered midwives working in these clinics. Data were collected through four focus group discussions and analysed using content analysis. The principles of trustworthiness were observed. Setting Department of Health primary health care clinics in the eThekwini district, South Africa. Results The midwives understood their role in the up referral of high-risk pregnant women but experienced many interruptions in its execution. Four categories emerged from the data, namely, enhanced by team support in the clinics, restrictions in transfer to expert-centred sites, impeding social determinants and midwifery competence facilitates referral process. Conclusion Global initiatives cannot guarantee maternal and neonatal health because of the challenges experienced by the midwives in the execution of their roles as they interface with the healthcare team.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyabonga W Ximba
- Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Olivia B Baloyi
- Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Mary Ann Jarvis
- Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Kacholi G, Mahomed OH. Perceptions of hospital staff on the performance of Quality Improvement teams in the regional referral hospitals in Tanzania: A cross sectional study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246927. [PMID: 33592051 PMCID: PMC7886151 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To ensure patient-centered quality care for all citizens, Quality Improvement (QI) teams have been established across all public hospitals in Tanzania. However, little is known about how hospital staff perceive the performance of hospital QI teams in Tanzania. This study assessed the perceptions of hospital staff of the performance of QI teams in selected regional referral hospitals in Tanzania. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted in four selected regional referral hospitals between April and August 2018. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 385 hospital staff in the selected hospitals. Measures of central tendency, proportions and frequencies were used to assess level of perception of hospital staff. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to test the association between the perceptions of hospital staff of the performance of QI teams and their socio-demographic factors. RESULTS The overall mean perception score of the performance of QI teams was 4.84 ± 1.25. Hospital staff aged 35 and over (n = 130; 68%), female hospital staff (n = 144; 64%), staff in clinical units (n = 136; 63%) and staff with post-secondary education (n = 175; 63%) perceived that the performance of QI teams was good. Improved hospital cleanliness was viewed as strength of QI teams, whilst inadequate sharing of information and inadequate reduction in patient waiting time were considered as weaknesses of QI team performance. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that there was no statistical association between the perceptions of hospital staff and their socio-demographic characteristics. CONCLUSION The overall perception of hospital staff of the performance of QI teams was good, with the main limitation being sharing of hospital QI plans with hospital staff. Hospital staff should be involved in the development and implementation of hospital QI plans, which would promote a positive perception of staff of the performance of QI teams and enhance sustainability of QI teams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Godfrey Kacholi
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Health Systems Management, Mzumbe University, Morogoro, Tanzania
- * E-mail:
| | - Ozayr H. Mahomed
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Govender D, Taylor M, Naidoo S. Adolescent Pregnancy and Parenting: Perceptions of Healthcare Providers. J Multidiscip Healthc 2020; 13:1607-1628. [PMID: 33239882 PMCID: PMC7680673 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s258576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adverse maternal and child health outcomes due to adolescent pregnancy are central to public health research and practice. In addition, public health has emphasised that the care rendered by healthcare providers plays a pivotal role in the health and well-being of pregnant and parenting adolescents. Healthcare providers may differ in the ways they interpret adolescent pregnancy and parenting and consequently, this may have profound implications for healthcare decision making. The aim of this study was to explore the multiple perspectives of a diverse group of healthcare providers' delivering services and engaging with pregnant adolescents and adolescent mothers at a district hospital in Ugu, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. METHODS This descriptive qualitative study used semi-structured interviews (n=33). Healthcare providers rendering care to pregnant and parenting adolescents were recruited from the maternity, antenatal, paediatrics, psychology, dietetics, physiotherapy and social work departments, as well as from the HIV/AIDS, STIs and TB (HAST) programme. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS The healthcare providers acknowledged that adolescent pregnancy is a problematic issue in Ugu district. Furthermore, they felt that the postpartum sexual-related and reproductive health of adolescent mothers was not given priority. In the healthcare providers' view, the problems experienced by pregnant and parenting adolescents were school dropout, financial constraints, breakdown of relationships, abandonment, stigmatisation, parenting and child rearing difficulties, and both physical and mental health problems. CONCLUSION This study highlights that the issue of sexual- and reproductive-related outcomes of adolescent pregnancy and parenting is not given priority. In addition, the findings also highlighted the need for a multidisciplinary approach to the care of pregnant and parenting adolescents. Multidisciplinary communities of practices as interventions can be used to generate and share knowledge, capacitate healthcare providers and improve clinical practice. The training of healthcare providers, provision of non-judgemental counselling and tailored services for pregnant adolescents and adolescent mothers are essential. When appropriately disseminated, the findings will assist relevant healthcare providers, administrators in healthcare institutions, policymakers, and officials of the Department of Health and the Department of Education in South Africa to address the lack of appropriate care for pregnant and parenting adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desiree Govender
- KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, South Africa Developing Research Innovation Localisation and Leadership (DRILL) Programme, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- School of Nursing and Public Health, Discipline of Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Myra Taylor
- School of Nursing and Public Health, Discipline of Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Saloshni Naidoo
- School of Nursing and Public Health, Discipline of Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Govender D, Naidoo S, Taylor M. "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. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2020; 20:620. [PMID: 33054778 PMCID: PMC7557067 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-020-03319-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescent pregnancy and motherhood has been a controversial and much disputed subject within the field of public health. Early childbearing is not only characterized as a physical body experience but also embodies the experiences and perceptions of the social norms, discourses, conflict and moral judgement. There is an increasing concern that the psychosocial challenges facing adolescent mothers remains in the background since research in this field has mainly focused on the medical and physical complications of early childbearing. 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 was based on data from four focus group discussions with adolescent mothers utilising healthcare services at a district hospital in Ugu district, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. The data were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim, then analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS 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 in 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 them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desiree Govender
- KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, Durban, South Africa
- School of Nursing and Public Health, Discipline of Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Developing Research Innovation Localisation and Leadership (DRILL) Fellow, Durban, South Africa
| | - Saloshni Naidoo
- School of Nursing and Public Health, Discipline of Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Myra Taylor
- School of Nursing and Public Health, Discipline of Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Govender D, Naidoo S, Taylor M. "My partner was not fond of using condoms and I was not on contraception": understanding adolescent mothers' perspectives of sexual risk behaviour in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:366. [PMID: 32197592 PMCID: PMC7082996 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-08474-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adolescent pregnancy has been a persistent area of interest and concern in the field of public health. The debate about adolescents’ sexual risk behaviour has also gained prominence due to findings that have demonstrated that adolescent girls between 15 and 19 years of age give birth to 16 million infants and account for 62% of new HIV infections in the Caribbean and African regions. Health compromising behaviours often develop in adolescence, yet the sexual and reproductive health of adolescent mothers is often marginalised in the healthcare field. The aim of this study was to explore adolescent mothers’ understanding of sexual risk behaviour. Methods The study employed a descriptive qualitative design. To collect the data, four focus group discussions were conducted with adolescent mothers aged 16–19 years. The eighteen adolescent mothers were recruited using purposive sampling technique from a hospital in the Ugu district in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results The study revealed that decisions to engage in risky sexual behaviour is influenced by peer pressure, drugs and alcohol, sexual experimentation, myths about contraception, the media, poor parental supervision and power gender dynamics, poverty leading to transactional sex, the vulnerability of young girls, and the fear of partner rejection. Conclusion The findings of this study will contribute to a better understanding of adolescent mothers’ perspectives of sexual risk behaviour. In the subject matter of sexual and reproductive health, adolescents’ autonomy with respect to cultural and social recommendations should not be sidelined. Due to their vulnerability, adolescent women are exposed to transactional sex, and it is particularly due to poverty that adolescent women are driven into sexual relations with older men as a means of survival. Moreover, interventions to curb postpartum sexual risk behaviour are important to protect adolescent women and mothers against HIV/AIDS. The sexual and reproductive education of adolescent women should focus on resilience, negotiating skills, and protective decision making. Collaborative efforts to curb sexual risk taking by young women should be encouraged and should involve relevant agents from the educational, social and clinical fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desiree Govender
- KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, Durban, South Africa. .,School of Nursing and Public Health, Discipline of Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. .,Developing Research Innovation Localisation and Leadership (DRILL), Durban, South Africa.
| | - Saloshni Naidoo
- School of Nursing and Public Health, Discipline of Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Myra Taylor
- School of Nursing and Public Health, Discipline of Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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