Teenage Mothers Research Articles

Adolescent Pregnancy Outcomes and Risk Factors.

One of the major social and public health problems in the world is adolescent pregnancy. Adolescent pregnancy is strongly associated to less favorable results for both the mother and the newborn. We conducted this research to ascertain the impact of teenage age on neonatal outcomes and also observed the lifestyles of pregnant teenage girls. We conducted a study of 2434 mothers aged ≤19 years (n = 294) or 20-34 years (n = 2140) who gave birth in 2019-2020 at the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Louis Pasteur University Hospital in Košice. The data on mothers and newborn infants have been reported from the reports on mothers at childbirth. Women between the ages of 20 and 34 served as the reference group. The teenage mothers were more likely to become pregnant if they were unmarried (OR = 14.2; 95% CI = 9.3-21.6; p < 0.001) and had a basic education or lack of education (OR = 16.8; 95% CI = 11.5-24.6; p < 0.001). Additionally, they were more likely to smoke when pregnant (OR = 5.0; 95% CI = 3.8-6.6; p < 0.001). Low birth weight was more common in newborns born to adolescent mothers than in those born to adult mothers (p < 0.001). Our findings showed that infants of teenage mothers often had lower birth weights (-332.6 g, p < 0.001). Adolescent mothers were associated with lower Apgar scores at the first minute (p = 0.003). As compared with the control group, pregnant teenage girls had a greater prevalence of preterm deliveries in our research (p = 0.004). This study finds significant age-related disparities in neonatal outcomes between mothers. These results might be used to identify vulnerable groups who need special assistance and actions to reduce the probability of negative outcomes for such groups.

Availability of assets and livelihood strategies of school dropout teenage mothers in Adaklu District, Ghana

The consequences associated with being a teenage mother can be overwhelming, especially when dreams of completing school and getting a lucrative job are shattered. Nevertheless, teenage mothers who are school dropouts gather resources available that aid them in securing livelihood activities for themselves. The aim of this research is to identify assets available to school dropout teenage mothers and how they are using these assets to secure some form of livelihood activities that help lessen the vulnerabilities associated with being a teenage mother. Data was collected from 45 teenage mothers and 17 opinion leaders in the Adaklu District of Ghana using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The findings revealed that although teenage mothers depend on various assets, natural assets (land) were the most asset for teenage mothers since most of them were into farming activities. Some of the teenage mothers indulged in off-farm activities like selling charcoal, gari processing, and deshelling of groundnuts to avoid falling deeper into livelihood insecurities. It was recommended that the district assembly should collaborate with NGOs and other institutions to train targeted teenage mothers in self-employable skills like soap making, bead making, and catering services to ease their financial stress. These measures might possibly pave the way for them to re-enter the schooling system.

Abuse and humiliation in the delivery room: Prevalence and associated factors of obstetric violence in Ghana.

Abuse and mistreatment of women during childbirth is a major barrier to facility-based delivery, putting women at risk of avoidable complications, trauma and negative health outcomes including death. We study the prevalence of obstetric violence (OV) and its associated factors in the Ashanti and Western Regions of Ghana. A facility-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in eight public health facilities from September to December 2021. Specifically, close-ended questionnaires were administered to 1,854 women, aged 15-45 who gave birth in the health facilities. The data collected include the sociodemographic attributes of women, their obstetric history and experiences of OV based on the seven typologies according to the categorization by Bowser and Hills. We find that about two in every three women (65.3%) experience OV. The most common form of OV is non-confidential care (35.8%), followed by abandoned care (33.4%), non-dignified care (28.5%) and physical abuse (27.4%). Furthermore, 7.7% of women were detained in health facilities for their inability to pay their bills, 7.5% received non-consented care while 11.0% reported discriminated care. A test for associated factors of OV yielded few results. Single women (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2-2.2) and women who reported birth complications (OR 3.2, 95% CI 2.4-4.3) were more likely to experience OV compared with married women and women who had no birth complications. In addition, teenage mothers (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.5-4.5) were more likely to experience physical abuse compared to older mothers. Rural vs. urban location, employment status, gender of birth attendant, type of delivery, time of delivery, the ethnicity of the mothers and their social class were all not statistically significant. The prevalence of OV in the Ashanti and Western Regions was high and only few variables were strongly associated with OV, suggesting that all women are at risk of abuse. Interventions should aim at promoting alternative birth strategies devoid of violence and changing the organizational culture of violence embedded in the obstetric care in Ghana.

Outcome of Deliveries Among Adolescent Girls at The SOS Kara Mother And Child Hospital : Clinical Aspects, Epidemiology And Prognosis

Background: Pregnancies and childbirths previously widely accepted among teen girls are universally frowned upon these days owing to the health hazards they pose to young mothers and their newly- borns. The World Health Organization estimates that a teenage mother has a 50% chance of dying during childbirth. The purpose of this study is to analyse the epidemiological and clinical aspects and to carry out a diagnosis and prognosis of teenage births at the Mother and Child SOS Hospital. Method: The study was carried out over a five-year period extending from January 2018 to December 2021 covering descriptive and retrospective aspects of teenage girls aged from 10 to 19 years at the child and mother SOS hospital Results: The prevalence of pregnancies among the patients under review was 5.18%. The average age of the teens involved was 17 years with 67% aged between 18/19 years. 47% of the group was made up of school girls with a level of education not exceeding secondary school for 40% of them. 52% of the patients attended at least four prenatal examinations and 98% of the patients did not develop any pathology during their pregnancies. 90 % of them had natural births and the rest delivered their child through C-sections. 26% of the mothers endured acute fetal distress and 19% suffered from narrow pelvis. The main maternal complication was post-partum tear of the perineum among 26% of the mothers. 15% of the babies had very low birth weight. The Apgar score was below 7 for 4% of the newborns at the first and fifth minute. Three babies were still born and the rate of perinatal mortality was 1.09%. Conclusion: There is clear evidence of existing of risks relating to precocious pregnancies and child births among teens but they seem to occur as much as a result of unfavorable socioeconomic and sanitary determinants as from factors of biological immaturity. The prevention of these obstetrical risks point to the need to pay more attention to the pregnant teen through the provision of adequate and specifically targeted prenatal, perinatal and postnatal care.

Obstetric Outcomes Of Teenage Pregnancy Vs. Non-Teenage Pregnancy Patients.

Background:Teenage pregnancies contribute substantially to global health hazards, particularly in places like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Where social and economic conditions conspire to make unions between spouses early and their childbearing follows soon after. Despite initiatives to tackle this problem, restricted examination exists on the obstetric effects of adolescent pregnancies in this territory Objective This retrospective study analyzed obstetric outcomes and complications between teenage mothers aged 14 to 18 and older mothers aged 19 to 36 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The aim was to compare risks between the two groups. Study design: a retrospective study. Place and duration of study. Department of Gynecology D.H.Q. Hospital Timarghra from 05 march 2021 to 05 February 2022 Material and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in kpk, Pakistan, from Department of Gynecology D.H.Q. Hospital Timarghra from 05 march 2021 to 05 February 2022 all 14-18-year-olds who gave birth in the two hospitals had obstetric outcomes compared to non- adolescent women (19-36). chi-square and students' t-tests were used with a 0.05significance level. Results: out Of the 910 births, 128 (14.1%) non-teenage moms, teenage mothers had higher rates of serious anaemia (7.5 vs 4.1%), chorioamnionitis (2.6 vs 0.6%), and post-maturity (4.6 vs 1.8%) and meconium inhalation syndrome (6.5 vs 2.4%), respectively. Teenagers were less prone than adults to be overweight. Instrumental deliveries are more common in teenagers (7.1% vs 2.2%, p 0.01). Preterm birth, low birth weight babies, rds, and neonatal and foetal deaths did not vary substantially between the two groups. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that teenage pregnancies are associated with a higher risk of severe anaemia, chorioamnionitis, post maturity and meconium aspiration syndrome compared to non-teenage pregnancies. Preterm delivery, low birth weight infant, R.D.S., and fetal and perinatal death were not significantly different between the two groups. The results of this study suggest that teenage mothers need to be provided with appropriate obstetric care to reduce their risk of poor outcomes. Keywords: obstetric, outcomes, teenage, non-teenage, pregnancy, a retrospective study, Pakistan

‘It wasn’t because I lacked knowledge… it just happened and that´s that’. Towards an understanding of the experiences of adolescent fathers and mothers in Cuenca (Ecuador) and their implications for sex education

ABSTRACT Teenage pregnancy is a phenomenon that causes concern due to its consequences. In this context, sex education has been considered as a good means of prevention. However, while teenage pregnancy prevails, sex education perspectives from the voices of teenage fathers and mothers remain under-explored. This qualitative study aimed at exploring sex education needs from the perspectives of teenage fathers and mothers at Cuenca, Ecuador. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 young people aged 16 to 19 years, ten of whom were mothers. Following thematic analysis, three themes were identified: (1) pregnancy does not necessarily occur by accident; (2) inconsistencies exist in the use of contraceptive methods; (3) current forms of sex education ignore the needs of adolescents. Findings are discussed in light of research addressing teenage pregnancy, focusing on adolescents as well as their developmental characteristics. The study identifies limitations in sex education when it comes to meeting the real needs of adolescent mothers and fathers.

A phenomenological study on recurrent teenage pregnancies in effutu municipality- Ghana.the experiences of teenage mothers

BackgroundGenerally, recurrent teenage pregnancies are public health menaces that impede the quality of life of teenage mothers, their offspring, and society as a whole. However, there is paucity of information regarding factors influencing this social issue especially, in developing countries where Ghana is no exception. Moreover, this menace has been least investigated from the perspective of the teenager with multiple pregnancies. Hence, this study aimed at identifying the factors influencing recurrent teenage pregnancies and the challenges confronted by these teenage mothers.MethodThis study is a phenomenological qualitative study that was conducted in the Effutu Municipality in the Central Region of Ghana. Employing convenience and snowball sampling, 40 participants who were residents of the study area, had a child each, and were pregnant at the time of the study were included. Other participants included teenage mothers who had at least two (2) children. A face-to-face in-depth interview with the help of an interview guide was conducted. Proceedings were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis. Quotations were used in the result presentation.ResultsThe results of the study revealed that factors influencing recurrent teenage pregnancies are multifactorial. It includes peer pressure, parental neglect, poverty, living with a partner, and inadequate knowledge of family planning. The teenager with recurrent pregnancy is confronted with financial difficulties and is faced with stigmatisation in the society where she finds herself.ConclusionTo this effect, it is important to intensify education on family planning and good parental practices among parents with teenage mothers while providing a similar form of sensitization for members of the society about the harmful effects of stigmatisation on the teenage mother and her children. Again, a social support network for teenagers with recurrent pregnancies could be formed to help curb this public health menace.

Understanding the factors leading to high prevalence of teenage pregnancies in the four aspirational Districts of Assam, Namely Goalpara, Barpeta, Dhubri, and darrang.

The prevalence of teenage pregnancy in Assam is higher than the national average as per both NHFS-4 and NHFS-5. Four districts in Assam, falling under the NITI-Aayog Aspiration Districts Transformation program of 2018, namely, Goalpara, Barpeta, Darrang, and Dhubri, have a prevalence of teenage pregnancy at levels higher than the state's average (12% as per NHFS-5). Teenage pregnancy affects several health and nutritional indicators. The objective of the study was to identify the factors associated with teenage pregnancies in the Aspirational Districts of Assam in both social and public health contexts. A comparative cross-sectional study was carried out across these four districts, with sample size of teenage pregnant women as 388 and an equal number of controls. The study presents several factors to be statistically significant, viz., lower level of education of the teenage mothers or their spouses and lesser access to adequate health-related information by teenage mothers. Furthermore, less number of teenage mothers are aware of contraceptive availability and face objection from spouses to use contraception. A unique factor presented by the study is the higher elopement rate among teenage mothers. Many of the factors upheld by the study are rooted in social and cultural fabric of the communities and could be addressed by mobilizing local institutions like panchayat and religious bodies to act as deterrence to teenage marriages in the communities. Men should also be brought into the fold of discussions on this sensitive subject through information and awareness generation.

A STUDY OF TEENAGE PREGNANCY ITS RISK FACTORS AND COMPLICATIONS AT THE TERTIARY CARE CENTER

Background: Pregnancy in girls between 10 and 19 years is adolescent or teenage pregnancy. Teenage parenthood comes with dangers and realities that have been well-documented. Material &amp; Methods:This observational study was conducted at Government Medical College, AkolaMaharashtra. 80 teenage mothers admitted to the ward from October 2019 to May 2021 were included after permission from the Institutional Ethics Committee, and consent from the patients &amp; was evaluated regarding teenage pregnancy, its risk factors, and complications. SPSS version 2.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: The majority of the patients 68.8% were in the age group of 18-19 years, the mean age of the patients was 17.75 ± 1.22 years. 26.2% of patients were booked, 73.8% had unbooked status. 58.8% had preterm delivery (≤37 weeks), and 41.2% had term delivery. The prevalence of anemia (&lt;10 gm %) was 63.8%. 38.8% of patients were delivered through Lower Segment Caesarean Section (LSCS) and vaginal delivery was performed in 61.2%. 63.8% of patients had anemia while 21.2% and 13.7% of patients developed Pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) and postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) respectively. 7.5% and 6.2% of patients had antepartum hemorrhage (APH) &amp; intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) respectively. It was observed that unbooked status, preterm delivery, anemia, PIH, IUGR, Low birth weight (LBW), and NICU admission were signicant risk factors for teenage pregnancy. Conclusion: Teenage pregnancies are associated with adverse obstetric and perinatal outcomes. Maternal age is an important feature, as several obstetric and perinatal complications are more frequent in teenage mothers than in other age groups. Improving the general health and nutrition of the girl child, increasing the age of marriage and subsequent childbearing, and access to safe abortion services along with adequate antenatal care reduce the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Incidence and associated factors of congenital syphilis at a tertiary care center in Thailand.

The incidence of congenital syphilis is increasing worldwide, in parallel with the increase of syphilis in the general population. This study aimed to determine the incidence and risk factors for congenital syphilis at a referral tertiary care center in Bangkok, Thailand. This is a case-control study using the hospital medical records of neonates born at our hospital, whose mothers had confirmed syphilis during pregnancy or at delivery between 2011 and 2018. Maternal and neonatal data were reviewed. Neonates were categorized into congenital syphilis according to CDC surveillance case definition for congenital syphilis 2015 and the American Academy of Pediatrics Congenital Syphilis 2018: confirmed and probable were assigned to the case group, while possible and less likely congenital syphilis were used as the control group. Factors associated with congenital syphilis were analyzed using univariable and multivariable analysis. Among 19,558 live births, there were 126 neonates born to mothers with syphilis. Almost 40% of mothers were teenage mothers and 48.4% had inadequate or no syphilis treatment. Forty neonates met the criteria of congenital syphilis giving the incidence of 204 per 100,000 live births (95% confidence interval [CI]: 146-278). Factors associated with congenital syphilis were inadequate treatment of maternal syphilis and preterm birth (adjusted odd ratio [aOR]: 2.69, 95% CI: 1.02-7.11, P = 0.046 and aOR: 2.91; 95% CI: 1.01-8.39, P = 0.049, respectively). The incidence of congenital syphilis in our institution was high. Factors associated with congenital syphilis were inadequate treatment of maternal syphilis and preterm birth. Improvement of prenatal care should be emphasized.

HUBUNGAN IBU NIFAS USIA REMAJA TERHADAP KEJADIAN POSTPARTUM BLUES DI WILAYAH KECAMATAN NALUMASARI JEPARA

The postpartum period is a crisis for mothers due to various changes that occur physically, psychologically, and in family structures that require an adaptation or adjustment process. From the records of the Jepara District Health Office in 2021, data obtained from 127 of 392 maternity mothers (32.4%) experienced postpartum blues symptoms between the ages of 17 and 19. This study aimed to determine the relationship of adolescent postpartum mothers to the incidence of postpartum blues in the District of Nalumsari Jepara. This study used an analytical design with a cross-sectional approach. The population in this study were teenage mothers who gave birth in July 2022 at the Nalumsari Health Center Jepara. The sample is 35 respondents utilizing total sampling. The research instrument used the EPDS questionnaire and was analyzed using the Chi-Square statistical test. The results showed that (1) most of the respondents, as many as 20 people (57.1%), were in their late teens (16-19). (2) The incidence of Postpartum Blues in postpartum mothers who did not experience postpartum blues was 14 people (40%), mild postpartum blues were nine people (25.7%), and severe postpartum blues were 12 people (34.3%). (3) the results of the bivariate analysis showed that there was no relationship between postpartum teenage mothers and the incidence of postpartum blues in the District of Nalumsari Jepara (p-value 0.254 &gt; 0.05). The result showed that age was not the main factor in the incidence of postpartum blues; however, it was caused by other factors such as social, psychological, and emotional factors. In addition, a person's maturity level cannot be determined merely by age. It is suggested that mothers who will undergo childbirth should enrich their knowledge about postpartum period psychological adaptation and factors influencing the incidence of postpartum blues by carrying out activities during antenatal care so that there is preparation to undergo the delivery process until postpartum care and baby care appropriately. Keywords: Teenage postpartum mother, Postpartum Blues Occurrence

Maternal Outcome among Women Presented with Teenage Pregnancy attended at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Dhaka City

Background: Teenagers face greater risk of pregnancy than the woman in their adulthood.&#x0D; Objective: The purpose of the present study was to see the maternal outcomes of women presented with teenager pregnancy.&#x0D; Methodology: This cross-sectional study was performed in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Kurmitola General Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh for a period of six months from March 2019 to September 2019. The teenage mothers with the age group of 13 to 19 completed years at delivery who were admitted to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology were included in this study. On admission, diagnosis was established by history, presenting complaints, physical examination, per-abdominal examination and per-vaginal examination. Complications during pregnancy and labour, mode of delivery, post-partum complications and perinatal outcome were noted.&#x0D; Results: A total number of 100 teenage mothers were recruited for this study. During this study period, 74.0% mothers were aged 18 to 19 years. About 52.0% cases of teenage mothers were suffered from various complications during pregnancy and labor and among them, anemia was in 21.15% cases; UTI was in 3.84% cases; PE was in 17.31% cases; eclampsia was in 3.84% cases; PROM was in 15.38% cases; CPD was in 5.76% cases; prolonged labor was in 93.34% cases; obstructed labor 6.66% cases and preterm labor 15.4% cases. Their modes of delivery were vaginal delivery 63%, caesarean delivery 39%. Among them, indications of caesarean delivery were PROM with Fd 30.77% Gross IUGR with FD 12.82% cases prolonged labor 10.26%, obstructed labor 2.56%, CPD 7.69%, eclampsia 5.13% cases. 57% of teenage mothers suffered from postpartum complications. Among them, PPH was 28.07% cases, inadequate lactation 10.53% cases, Post spinal headache 10.53% cases and wound infection 10.53% cases.&#x0D; Conclusion: In conclusion the most common maternal complication are anemia, UTI, PE, eclampsia, PROM, CPD, prolonged labor, obstructed labor and preterm labor.&#x0D; Journal of National Institute of Neurosciences Bangladesh, July 2022;8(2):185-188

The Influences of Children’s and Maternal Childhood Adversity on Externalizing Problems in Early Adolescence

Childhood adversities have been linked to externalizing problems in adolescence. However, studies focusing on early adolescence are rare. Even less empirical attention has been given to the unique and joint influences of children’s and maternal childhood adversity on children’s externalizing behavior, particularly with a keen focus on the nature of adversities. This study examined the influences of children’s and maternal childhood adversities on children’s externalizing problems in early adolescence, delineating domains of childhood adversities. The data came from a longitudinal study of teen mothers and their children ( N = 495). The findings reveal children’s childhood maltreatment experience was associated with externalizing problems in early adolescence. Further, maternal childhood maltreatment functioned as an additive risk source for target adolescents’ externalizing problems. These findings support the need to delineate adversity domains to further clarify the link between childhood adversity and externalizing problems. Our findings also support a multigenerational approach in pediatric settings.

Psychosocial health in adolescent unmarried motherhood in rural Uganda: Implications for community-based collaborative mental health education, and empowerment strategies in the prevention of depression and suicide.

Teenage pregnancy rates in Uganda are among the highest in sub-Saharan Africa. Child marriage is often the result of unmarried teenage pregnancy and is recognised by Uganda's government as a form of sexual violence and an outcome of inequality. However, unmarried motherhood incurs stigma and shame within traditionally living rural communities. Using co-produced Open Space and ethnographic methods, we examined the psychosocial impact of unmarried motherhood on girls and their communities, and explored problem-solving with key local stakeholders. Findings indicate that girls experience extreme stress, social exclusion and rejection by their families, and experience bereavement from school expulsion and the loss of their career aspirations. Depressive symptoms and suicidal behaviour are reportedly not uncommon among this population group. Community and family efforts to promote marriage for these mothers to avoid social stigma increased the mothers' feelings of depression, whereas mothers who became independent appeared to fare better psychologically. Community members and local stakeholders demonstrated a willingness to act locally to reduce the negative impacts of unmarried motherhood but lacked knowledge and support resources. Our findings indicate that mental health promotion for teenage mothers is likely to be better served through empowerment strategies rather than marriage and, in a context of poor mental health service access, there is a substantial role for community mobilisation and the promotion of self-help strategies to support teenage mothers. This study raises important points regarding different community understandings of depression and indicates collaboration between professionals and communities for a values-based approach.

Do mothers or females without children have better health-related quality of life across their reproductive years?

To compare health-related quality of life (HRQoL) between mothers and females who were voluntarily or involuntarily childless, across their reproductive years. 4100 females born in 1973-78 from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health were followed for 22years. Motherhood status was defined by females' reports in Survey 8 (2018, 40-45years) on their fertility, attempts to conceive, use of in vitro fertilization and fertility hormones, and number of children. HRQoL was assessed in each survey using the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36). Linear mixed models were used to assess the associations between motherhood status and HRQoL. Over 22years, compared with females who were voluntarily childless, mothers on average had better HRQoL (shown by scores 1.5 to 3.4 points higher on five of the eight SF-36 subscales), while females who were involuntarily childless scored 2.2 to 3.0 points lower on three of eight SF-36 subscales. Compared with females who were voluntarily childless, teen mothers (age at first birth < 20years) scored lower on role limitations due to physical problems subscale (b = -5.5, 95% CI: -9.3, -1.6), while females with either two, or three or more children scored 1.6 to 4.8 points higher on seven of eight SF-36 subscales. Females who were childless had poorer HRQoL than mothers. Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms, which could inform policymakers on how to reduce the health disparities and improve long-term health outcomes for females.

Neighbourhood Gangs, Crime Spillovers, and Teenage Motherhood

Neighbourhood Gangs, Crime Spillovers, and Teenage Motherhood

Contextualizing High Teenage Pregnancies and Its Effects on Education in Mt. Elgon Area, Kenya

The obstacles to the developmental milestones of young girls in Mount Elgon Sub-County can be seen from the rate at which the girls are dropping out of school due to early pregnancies, early marriages, sexually transmitted diseases, and the stigma associated with them. This study sought to understand the status of, causes, and effects of teenage pregnancy on education in the Mt. Elgon area, Kenya. This was an exploratory qualitative study based on snow bawling and a sample saturation approach. It involved in-depth interviews among twelve (12) affected households including interviews with eight (8) teenage mothers, three (3) teachers, two (2) school principals, and nine (9) local community gatekeepers/leaders. Findings indicate that teenage pregnancy is a rampant and common problem in Mt. Elgon. However, it is more acute in areas that bore the brunt of ethnic conflicts in the region. Teenage pregnancy and early marriages are partly responsible for the low enrolment of girls in schools across Mt. Elgon. According to the respondents, it all started in 1992 with the tribal clashes and subsequent cyclic conflicts with the most notable being the 2006/8 conflict in Mt. Elgon. The conflicts disintegrated and dislocated many families, a factor that compromised the ability of many households to get means of subsistence. After the conflict, the Government responded by constructing settlements for the returnees whose sizes turned out to be very small and non-conducive dwelling units for parents and their adolescent children. Several parents are forced to send their adolescent children to spend the night at neighbours, a factor that exposes such young girls to sexual abuse and early pregnancies. Teenage pregnancy has greatly affected girl child education as those pregnant are often married off early by their parents. The study recommends that efforts be made to address the impacts of the conflicts in Mt. Elgon. Poor parents should be supported by the government to build simple but spacious houses to provide ample sleeping space for their children. Advocacy campaigns promoting the education of girls should be launched. Rescue centres should be established to support teenage mothers in with technical skills and those willing to continue with their formal education are supported to do so.

Exploring the Dilemmas, Challenges, and Opportunities of Adolescent Fatherhood: An Exploratory Case Study.

Teenage pregnancy is a significant concern for society, and the effect on education is immense. In South Africa, policies were thus introduced allowing pregnant school-going children to continue attending class until the baby's birth. However, research on adolescent pregnancy generally ignores teenage fathers and focuses mostly on teenage mothers. Parents of teenage girls are also encouraged to offer support to their children, but the same cannot be said about adolescent fathers. They confront numerous barriers in fulfilling their parenting roles. A qualitative exploratory study was conducted to explore adolescent fathers' dilemmas, challenges, and opportunities. Interviews were conducted to collect data from 5 adolescent fathers in 1 township in South Africa. Findings indicate that adolescent fathers face various challenges and experience fatherhood differently. The phenomenon's effects on education are immense and unavoidable, yet some opportunities accompany the fathering role. Adolescent fathers are exposed to several complex situations that impact their lives. To understand these, further research studies into adolescent fatherhood still need to be conducted, and reproductive health education efforts should equally be directed toward empowering boys to the same extent as girls.

Perception of Risk Behaviors and Its Relationship with Level of Religiosity among Teenagers' Mothers

Empirical evidence links parents' attitudes, perceptions, and behavior with their children's functioning and involvement in risky behaviors. The purpose of the present study was to examine the perceptions of Israeli mothers towards risk behaviors and their willingness to accept risk behaviors in their children, while also looking at the connection of these behaviors to the mothers and the children’s level of religiosity. Quantitative questionnaires were given to 284 mothers of teenagers aged 13–18 – 141 secular mothers and 143 religious mothers. The findings revealed that the mothers' willingness to accept risk behaviors by their children was more rigid than their general perception of risk behaviors and was related to the assessment of their child's risk. The assessment of the child's risk level was found to be related to their level of religiosity in the mother’s eyes. In addition, religious mothers were found to demonstrate a more rigid stance towards risky behaviors than secular mothers. However, no differences were found between religious and secular mothers in the willingness to accept their children's risk behaviors. The research and applied importance of the findings is discussed.

Determinants of low birth weight in the health district of Bounkiling in Senegal

Aim: Low birth weight (LBW), 9.1 million deaths per year, is a global health issue. The proportion of LBW in Senegal is estimated at 12% (in 2017) and is at 11.7% (in 2017) in the region of Sedhiou. In this regard, rigorous management is required to address this issue, especially in rural areas. The objective of the study was to identify the determinants of LBW.Methodology: This is a case-control study which has been conducted in the district of Bounkiling. Socio-demographic characteristics of the mothers, their obstetrical and medical history, and information on the health status of the newborn in the case group were compared with that of the controls. Bivariate and multivariate analyses are performed using Epi info 7 software to identify the determinants.Results: Low-weights accounted for 97.05% of LBW. The sex ratio was 0.87 in favor of girls. The Apgar score at birth was not good for 31.4% of newborns. Teenage mothers accounted for 17.08%. The multivariate analysis showed that the determinants of LBW (p &lt; 0.05) were the female sex of the newborn, the Apgar score at birth, the maternal age &lt;=19 years, the household income &lt; 83.96 USD, maternal history of low birth weight and physical labor during pregnancy. Conclusion: Strengthening communication on early marriages and pregnancies, empowering women and improving pregnancy monitoring would be levers to counter the determinants of low birth weight.