Complexity of teen mothers and its implications on family wellbeing in Rwanda

Abstract

In an attempt to understand the complexity of teen parents and associated consequences, the present study was conducted. It examines the connection between teen parents and family well-being in five selected Districts of Rwanda. Data were collected from 226 respondents randomly selected. Respondents included 176 teen mothers, 30 parents of teen mothers and 20 local leaders. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative data were presented in percentages while content analysis was used for qualitative data. The results revealed that teen mothers are exposed to various social and economic problems. Rejected and depressed, 61.4% of pregnant teens thought about abortion and were restricted by lack of financial means while 9% thought about suicide which affects the physical and mental health of both teens and their children. Furthermore, 80.4% of teen mothers were not given the opportunity to resume their studies after delivering which amplifies their poverty exposure and their children as well. Parents/guardians need to be supportive through good communication so as to know what their children are going through and advise them accordingly. Moreover, they should bear with them in case a pregnancy occurs so that they may not feel depressed and think of abortion or suicide. They should not chase them from home since it increases their exposure to repeated pregnancies. There is a need of sensitizing the community about strategies that can reduce teen mothers’ rates as well as appropriate action in case teens get impregnated.