Abstract
Background: Adolescent pregnancy is a public health problem of concern in developed, developing and underdeveloped countries. Trends in developing and underdeveloped countries are higher and account for most adverse pregnancy outcomes. Adolescence is a period of transition between childhood and adulthood. The burden of coping with changes with this transition and at the same time preparing for childbirth puts pregnant adolescent girls on edge. Childbirth and childrearing are critical moments that require support and specialized skills to nurture healthy infants. Aim: This study aims to assess the readiness of adolescent expectant mothers towards childbirth and childrearing in the Komenda/Edina/Eguafo/Abirem (KEEA) district of the central region of Ghana. Methods: This study utilized the total population sampling technique to collect data from three sites that offer specialized adolescent antenatal services within the KEEA district of the central region of Ghana. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0 and results presented as descriptive statistics. Results: This study assessed maternal readiness for childbirth and childrearing among 98 pregnant adolescent girls. The study was dominated by late adolescents who made up 86.7% of study participants. Regarding readiness for childrearing, the majority (74.5%) said they could not independently cater for their children and will require some support. The majority (52.0%) have had some form of counseling with a greater number (41.2%) coming from parents. Regarding readiness to embrace childbirth, the majority (82.4%) of respondents said they had companions who were willing to support them during childbirth. The majority (57.1%) of respondents have packed their delivery items although only 13.3% of them knew their expected dates of delivery. About 37.8% of respondents had knowledge of the possibility of having blood transfusion during delivery. Conclusion: Adolescent pregnancy is pervasive, and adolescent mothers require optimal support to ensure safe motherhood. Health promotion activities must be streamlined to meet their specific needs. Their significant others must actively be involved in their perinatal counseling to enhance compliance with health and wellbeing programs.
Highlights
Aim: This study aims to assess the readiness of adolescent expectant mothers towards childbirth and childrearing in the Komenda/Edina/Eguafo/Abirem (KEEA) district of the central region of Ghana
The concept of childbearing and childrearing among adolescents has been identified as a public health problem that puts enormous stress on the young parents, the infant, and the broader community
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 98 expectant adolescent mothers (10 - 19 years) who were attending specialized adolescent antenatal clinics (ANC) at the Kissi, Komenda and Elmina Health Centres in the KEEA district of the central region of Ghana (Kissi 29, Elmina 36, and Komenda 33)
Summary
The concept of childbearing and childrearing among adolescents has been identified as a public health problem that puts enormous stress on the young parents, the infant, and the broader community. Adolescent years are the continuance of human development and the transitional period from childhood to adulthood [1]. During this transition, individuals undergo a growth spurt with dramatic changes in their physical looks, emotional behavior, and their ways of interacting with other people. 21 million girls aged 15 - 19 years become pregnant each year in developing regions and 12 million of those pregnancies result in childbirth [4]. Adolescent pregnancy is a public health problem of concern in developed, developing and underdeveloped countries. Aim: This study aims to assess the readiness of adolescent expectant mothers towards childbirth and childrearing in the Komenda/Edina/Eguafo/Abirem (KEEA) district of the central region of Ghana. Results: This study assessed maternal readiness for childbirth and childrearing among 98 pregnant adolescent girls. Regarding readiness for childrearing, the majority (74.5%) said they could not independently cater
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