Teenage Mothers Research Articles

Teenage pregnancy and its prevention: meanings attributed by a group of school adolescents

Objective: to identify and analyze the meanings attributed by school adolescents to teenage pregnancy and its prevention Method: Qualitative approach, in approximation with the ethnographic method. Data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews, in total 20 adolescents of both sexes participated. The analysis was carried out according to the meaning interpretation method. Results: two themes emerged: “information for preventing teenage pregnancy” and “repercussions of teenage pregnancy”. In general, the adolescents reported that the information they had access to came mainly from their mothers and they considered that getting pregnant and having children as a teenager brings difficulties, with an emphasis on the consequences for the teenage mother. Conclusion: Teenage pregnancy did not appear to be of significant importance among peers in the context studied, in terms of culturally learned roles. On the other hand, the information process on sexual and reproductive health was weakened, as was the use of contraceptive methods. It is believed that these teenagers took advantage of all the information they had access to and were encouraged to adopt some form of contraception, motivated by future desires and dreams.

Postpartum depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder and resultant risk factors among teenage mothers: a community-based study

The prevalence of postpartum depression in teenage mothers is higher than that in adult mothers. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of depression, distress, and post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD) following childbirth and its resultant risk factors among teenage mothers. Material and Methods. This cross-sectional study was carried out on 167 teenage women aged 11–19 years, 8-week after giving birth, in Tabriz, Iran. The data were collected using by socio-demographic characteristics questionnaire, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist and Postpartum Distress Measure scale. Results. The study results revealed that 12.6% and 7.2% of the participants had postpartum depression and PTSD, respectively. The results showed that the variables of the number of children, dissatisfaction with marriage, and history of preconception depression were among the risk factors associated with postpartum depression. The results indicated that unwanted pregnancy, lack of spousal support, insufficient income, and infant restlessness variables were predictors of PTSD. Conclusion. Based on our findings, it is crucial to identify teenage mothers with predisposing factors for postpartum depression and PTSD. Providing family planning counseling to reduce unwanted pregnancies, training fathers to support their spouses, and ensuring timely referral of high-risk individuals are essential interventions to address the mental health challenges faced by teenage mothers.

The MINT Program: A Mixed-Method Approach to Identifying Nature-Based Resources to Promote Adolescent Parent Social and Psychological Well-Being.

Adolescent parents are at an increased risk for loneliness and mental health challenges compared to childless peers. Nature-based interventions are shown to promote social connectedness. To identify elements of a nature-based intervention to reduce loneliness and foster nature connection among pregnant and parenting adolescents. Sequential exploratory mixed methods. In 2020 and 2021, we piloted the 8-week MINT program at a school for pregnant and parenting teens. Our qualitative approach (n = 17) included online and in-person group meetings with nature-based educational content, discussion, park excursions, mindfulness activities, journaling and nature photography. Subsequently, we recruited 131 young mothers at a children's hospital for a cross-sectional survey based on qualitative school findings. Qualitative results from the school-based intervention showed a preference for meditative and contemplative activities and for spending time in nature with extended family. Participants typically accessed nature close to home. Our clinic-based teen parent survey illustrated that participants' access to nature were most limited by lack of time (25% of responses), company (18%) and energy (28%). While participants showed a close nature connection (mean NR-6 score = 3.9 (SD = 0.84)), they also showed moderate levels of loneliness (mean UCLA Loneliness score = 4.78 (SD = 1.60)). Walking, hiking and/or running were the most preferred nature activity. These findings provide key details to define nature-based activities to address loneliness and psychological well-being among teen mothers. Nature-based health interventions can address loneliness and nature disconnection by building community resilience, improving provider and patient well-being and motivating environmental stewardship. We identify key features of a nature-based intervention for adolescent mothers. These findings support teen mothers in the US and abroad and may serve as a foundation for using nature-based solutions for vulnerable mothers and for adolescents facing loneliness and mental health challenges. No patient or public contribution.

Socioeconomic Factors and Knowledge of Teenage Mothers Associated with Diarrhea in Children Less than Five Years Old in Ndhiwa Sub-County, Homa Bay-Kenya

Diarrhoea is the passage of loose, watery or liquid stools three or more times a day. Diarrhoea may be acute, persistent, or chronic and is often preventable and treatable. It is the second leading cause of mortality in children <5 years of age, resulting in approximately 1.7 billion cases globally and 525,000 deaths each year. The low- and middle-income countries account for about 90% of these deaths, with sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia reporting 88%. In Kenya, over 50% of children <5 years hospital admission results from diarrhoeal related infections. In Ndhiwa Sub-County, diarrhoea is among the leading causes of hospital admission among children <5 years old. Although the causes of morbidity and mortality associated with diarrhoeal diseases in children <5 years including the mothers’ socio-demographic and knowledge factors have been reported, the impact of these factors among teenage mothers remain largely unknown. With the proportion of teenage mothers estimated at 18 % in Kenya, and 33% in Homa Bay County, this study aimed to determine the socio-demographic factors and knowledge of teenage mothers associated with diarrhoea in children aged <5 years in Ndhiwa Sub-County, Homa Bay County. In this cross-sectional study a total of 320 teenage mothers were recruited using multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using semi- structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS software. Statistical significance was set at P≤0.050. Results from binary logistic regression model showed that the marital status of teenage mother; namely never married (P=0.016) or divorced (P=0.023) increased odds of diarrhoea in children, while mothers’ occupation (fulltime student, P=0.027) significantly increased the odds of diarrhoea. Poor knowledge on general prevention of diarrhoea (P<0.001), rubbish dumping (P=0.010) and Rota/ measles vaccination (P<0.001) were associated with increased incidences of diarrhoea in children aged <5 years. In conclusion, these results show that the teenage mother’s socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge childhood diarrhoea and prevention were associated with reported incidences of diarrhoea among children <5 years. The study recommends that the County Government of Homa Bay develop intervention measures to mitigate identified factors associated with increased incidences of diarrhoea cases in children aged <5 years of teenage mothers.

The reasons for and influences of unintended teenage pregnancy in Kericho county, Kenya: a qualitative study.

Unintended teenage pregnancies are associated with greater health and socio-economic risks for teenage mothers and newborns. In Kenya, the government has declared a target for ending teenage pregnancy by 2030. However, the prevalence of teenage pregnancy has only decreased slightly, demonstrating the need for further efforts. Understanding teenage mothers' own experiences and perspectives is necessary to design appropriate interventions. A community-based qualitative study was conducted from March to May 2023. Two focus group discussions were conducted with community health volunteers and the mothers of teenage girls. Semi-structured interviews were conducted on the case histories of 19 teenage mothers and 18 key informants. Thematic analysis was subsequently performed using MAXQDA 2022. Four major reasons emerged for unintended teenage pregnancies: (1) lack of knowledge or awareness about the human reproductive system, (2) lack of knowledge about family planning (FP), (3) financial challenges, and (4) low access to FP. At the study site, cultural norms and stereotypes, such as "infertility caused by FP," "freedom of sex by promoting FP," and "cultural taboos on having sex before marriage and talking about sexuality," were observed as barriers in promoting FP to teenagers. In addition, teenagers from low socio-economic backgrounds were found to be more vulnerable because they can be easily exploited by men who can afford to provide for some of their basic needs. Regarding the influences of unintended teenage pregnancy on teenage mothers' lives, the 19 cases were classified into four categories: (1) dropping out of school, (2) financial challenges, (3) changing relationships with parents, and (4) no major influence. Crucially, unintended teenage pregnancies negatively influenced most study participants. Continuing education, supportive parental attitudes, positive perceptions of the relationship with the child's father, and having future perspectives were identified as factors mitigating the negative influences. Strengthening culturally appropriate comprehensive sexuality education and the school re-entry policy with a supportive environment may prevent unintended teenage pregnancy and mitigate its negative influences. As financial challenges can be both a reason for and a negative influence of unintended teenage pregnancy, economic empowerment interventions are necessary.

Empowering self-reliance: Assessing the impact of lifting ban for pregnant girls to return to school in Tanzania

The main objective of this study was to examine how the Tanzanian government’s program allowing girls who became pregnant while in school to return after giving birth relates to efforts in promoting self-reliance among these girls. Using a quantitative research approach with a cross-sectional design, the study found that 87.5% of teenage mother students and 62.5% of teachers had positive perceptions of the program. Factors influencing teenage pregnancies included poverty (37.5%), peer pressure (10%), bad friends (10%), and rape (12.5%). Additionally, 32.5% of the pregnancies were attributed to businessmen, 27.5% to bodaboda (motorcycle taxi) drivers, 25% to street men, and 15% to fellow students. The study also revealed challenges for teenage mothers, such as difficulty balancing studying and childcare (62.5%) and stigmatization from students, teachers, family, and community members (57.5%). Teachers reported issues like low concentration in class (62.5%), late arrivals (75%), lack of respect (62.5%), and absenteeism (68.5%). Furthermore, 65% of teenage mother students reported no support from the fathers of their children, highlighting a lack of support from these individuals. It is recommended that all stakeholders provide both psychological and material support to help these teenage mothers become self-reliant. The government, in collaboration with the community, should also ensure that all perpetrators of pregnancies are held accountable for supporting these teenage mothers.

Effectiveness of Psychosocial Interventions in Preventing Postpartum Depression Among Teenage Mothers-Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Postpartum depression is a significant public health issue that occurs within the first 12weeks after childbirth. It is more prevalent among teenage mothers compared to adults. However, the findings of the existing interventional studies cannot be readily applied to teenage mothers due to their unique psychosocial concerns. Furthermore, these findings have shown inconsistencies regarding the benefit of psychological and psychosocial interventions in reducing the incidence of postpartum depression. The current review is aimed at investigating the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions in preventing postpartum depression, specifically among teenage mothers. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis manuals were utilized to identify and select relevant articles for this review. The articles were retrieved using population, intervention, control, and outcome models. The quality of each article was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Statistical analysis was conducted using STATA version 17. The effect size of the intervention was estimated using the standard mean difference in depression scores between the intervention and control groups. Heterogeneity among the studies was assessed using the I2 statistic and Q statistic, while publication bias was evaluated through funnel plot asymmetry and Egger's test. A total of nine eligible articles were included. While psychosocial interventions have been demonstrated to decrease the incidence of postpartum depression compared to usual maternal health care, it is worth noting that the mean difference in depression scores was significant in only three of the included studies. The meta-analysis revealed that psychosocial interventions were effective at preventing postpartum depression, with a pooled effect size of - 0.5 (95% CI: - 0.95, - 0.06) during the final postpartum depression assessment. The heterogeneity was substantial, with an I2 value of 82.3%. Although publication bias was not observed, small studies had a significant effect on the pooled effect size. The findings of this review suggest that psychosocial interventions can effectively prevent PPD, particularly within the first 3months of the postpartum period. This review highlights the scarcity of interventional studies in low-income countries, indicating the need for further research in diverse communities.

HELLP syndrome and associated factors among pregnant women with preeclampsia/eclampsia at a referral hospital in southwestern Uganda: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundHemolysis Elevated Liver Enzymes Low Platelets (HELLP) syndrome, a complication of preeclampsia/eclampsia, is associated with severe maternal morbidity and mortality. In resource-limited settings, such as Uganda, gaps in routine laboratory assessments may lead to underdetection of HELLP syndrome. This study determined the prevalence and factors associated with HELLP syndrome among pregnant women with preeclampsia/eclampsia at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH), southwestern Uganda.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted at the high-risk ward of the MRRH from December 2022 to June 2023. Pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia or eclampsia were enrolled consecutively. Participants’ sociodemographic and clinical data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The diagnosis of complete HELLP syndrome was made based on the Tennessee classification: aspartate aminotransferase enzyme ≥ 70 IU/L, platelet counts < 100,000 cells/µL, and serum lactate dehydrogenase enzyme ≥ 600 IU/L. We used multivariable modified Poisson regression analysis to determine factors associated with HELLP syndrome.ResultsA total of 129 participants with a mean age of 28 ± 6.6 years were enrolled in the study. The prevalence of HELLP syndrome was 18.6% (n = 24; 95% CI: 12.7–26.3%). Independent factors associated with HELLP syndrome were maternal age (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR]: 4.96; 95% CI: 1.57–15.65; for mothers aged < 20 years compared to those aged 20–34 years), the presence of epigastric pain (aPR: 5.89; 95% CI: 1.41–14.63), and referral from other health facilities (aPR: 3.14; 95% CI: 1.27–7.72).ConclusionApproximately 2 of the 10 women who presented with preeclampsia or eclampsia had HELLP syndrome. It is more common among teenage mothers, those with a history of epigastric pain and those referred from lower health facilities. Incorporating routine laboratory testing for HELLP syndrome in the diagnostic protocol for preeclampsia or eclampsia, especially among adolescent mothers, those experiencing epigastric pain, and those referred from lower health facilities, could enhance timely detection and management of mothers with preeclampsia whose pregnancies are complicated by HELLP syndrome.

A Mobile Gaming App to Train Teenage Mothers on Appropriate Child Feeding Practices: Development and Validation Study.

Undernutrition is an underlying factor in nearly 50% of 1 million estimated annual deaths among Nigerian children aged <5 years. Inappropriate maternal infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices are basic contributors to child undernutrition. Teenage motherhood exacerbates the problem of inadequate child feeding. One possible intervention method to improve IYCF knowledge and practices of teenage mothers is the use of mobile gaming technologies. Despite extreme poverty in low- and middle-income countries, a ubiquity of mobile phone networks exists. This study aims to develop and validate a mobile gaming app, called BabyThrive, to train Nigerian teenage mothers on appropriate IYCF practices. To identify gaps in current IYCF practices in northern Nigeria, we conducted an extensive search of the literature and held 2 focus group interviews with 16 teenage mothers with low-income status. An initial app content design was then created, and content validity was established by 10 nutrition experts. Next, we developed an app prototype, which was assessed for quality by 7 nutrition and mobile gaming experts and evaluated for usability by 90 teenage mothers from rural areas in Abuja, the country's capital. The final app, BabyThrive, is a 2D mobile game that is fully functional offline and available in English as well as Hausa, which is commonly spoken in northern Nigeria. The efficacy of the BabyThrive app was assessed using IYCF knowledge scores obtained from the administration of the validated Teen Moms Child Feeding Questionnaire for Sub-Saharan Africa. Construct validity was established via crossover design by comparing the total IYCF knowledge scores of the teenage mothers obtained after a verbal training program and BabyThrive app use. Large proportions of the study participants were married (53/90, 59%) and had no personal income (63/90, 70%). The mean quality rating for the BabyThrive app was 4.3 (SD 0.39) out of 5.0. High levels (>80%) of usability and user satisfaction were documented. Knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding (P<.001) and total knowledge scores (P=.002) were significantly higher in the BabyThrive group than in the verbal training group. The IYCF knowledge scores obtained from both groups showed coherence, with a statistically significant Spearman correlation coefficient of 0.50 (P<.001). This research developed and validated a novel, offline mobile gaming app. It will be an easy, effective, and acceptable method to disseminate critical knowledge on IYCF practices to teenage mothers in rural Nigeria.

Challenges and Academic Performance of Re-Admitted Teenage Mothers in Kenyan Secondary Schools

Aims: The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of challenges faced by admitted teenage mother students on the academic performance in secondary schools in Kenya. The study addressed two specific objectives to achieve its aims These were to examine the challenges faced by the teenage mothers in the learning environment upon being re-admitted to school and its influence on their academic performance; and to explore the family and community perception of teenage mothers and its influence on the academic performance of admitted teenage mothers. Study Significance: The study assesses the impact of re-entry policy on teenage mothers' academic performance in Kenyan secondary schools, highlighting the need for improved support systems. It aims to inform educational practices, enhance program delivery, and contribute to achieving Vision 2030 goals. Study Design: The study a Mixed Methods Design that used a convergent parallel approach. Place and Duration of the Study: The research was conducted in Kenya in four counties namely: Trans Nzoia,xWest Pokot,xUasin Gishu andxElgeyo Marakwet. The variables ofxthe study included challenges faced by teenage mother and academic performance of the admitted teenage mother. The study was conducted in 2022. Methodology: The study used random, stratified and purposive approaches to select the 596 respondents from 102 schools in selected counties. Of this 458 responded to the questionnaire and interviews (72 Principals comprising 52 females and 20 males between 42 – 54 years; 74 Guidance and Counselling teachers 48 females and 24 males with an average age of 38 years; 66 Directors of Studies comprising 50 males and 16 females with a modal age of 36 years; 246 teenage mothers with an age range of 16 – 21 years). Results: The study found out that the challenges the teenage mothers experienced were both from home and the school environment which contributed to their academic performance. The teenage mothers found support from teachers while in school upon being admitted. Conclusion: Parents, schools and even other stakeholders should work in unity to ensure that the teenage mother do not go through challenges that can contribute to poor academic performance.

Relationship between Socio-Demographic Factors and Postpartum Depression in Teen Mothers: A Case of Kibra Sub-County, Nairobi, Kenya

Postpartum depression is a type of depression that occurs to some mothers after childbirth. Studies show that Postpartum Depression (PPD) also affects teenage/adolescent mothers. The purpose of this study was to establish the prevalence of PPD in teen mothers in Kibra Sub County using descriptive research design. Stratified sampling procedure was used and snowballing method to which achieved a sample size of 300 participants. Data was collected through the use of a Social Demographic Questionnaire (SDQ), and the Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to assess PPD. Data collected was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. Inferential statistics such as Chi-square were also run. The study findings revealed that the PPD prevalence among teen mothers between six weeks and 24 months was at 74.3%.

Adolescent pregnancy, maternal and child anaemia: Empirical analysis from India, Bangladesh, and Nigeria.

Early childbearing poses several potential risks to maternal and child health. This paper empirically analyses the association between teenage pregnancy and child nutritional status, maternal and child anaemia in three countries (Nigeria, India and Bangladesh) that account for the highest proportion of teenage births and/or total number of malnourished teenage mothers and children. Data were sourced from nine waves of Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in Bangladesh, India, and Nigeria from 2005-2018, covering a sample of 27,705 children from Bangladesh, 266,308 children from India and 54,719 children from Nigeria. Our outcome measures of maternal and child nutrition include (i) a composite measure of anthropometric failure for children (CIAF), (ii) maternal anaemia, (iii) childhood anaemia, and (iv) anaemia in maternal-child pairs. Using multivariate regression analysis, we examine the associations between early childbirth, child nutrition, and maternal and child anaemia, controlling for an array of household-level socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. Across all three countries, the prevalence of CIAF (childhood anthropometric failure) is significantly higher among children born to women aged below 17 at first birth. We further find that early pregnancy and childbearing are associated with significantly higher rates of severe/moderate anaemia among both mothers and children in Bangladesh and Nigeria. In the three countries studied, the proportions of teenage mothers with vulnerable socioeconomic status and suboptimal pre-conception care are relatively high, which raises the risk of maternal and child morbidity as well as mortality.

Enhancing Teenage Mothers' Retention: The Role of Principals in Providing Guidance and Counseling Services in Public Secondary Schools in Kajiado North Sub-County

Enhancing Teenage Mothers' Retention: The Role of Principals in Providing Guidance and Counseling Services in Public Secondary Schools in Kajiado North Sub-County

The Prevalence of Postpartum Contraception Use among Teenage Mothers at Vajira Hospital, Thailand

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of postpartum contraception use among teenage mothers and to identify the factors influencing both postpartum contraception use and loss to postpartum follow-up at the Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital in Thailand.METHODS: Four hundred and seventy-five participants were randomly selected from 1,060 Thai teenage pregnant that gave birth at the Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2020 and were scheduled postpartum visits. The clinical factors associated with postpartum contraception use and loss to postpartum follow-up were studied using multiple logistic regression analysis.RESULTS: A total of 451 participants remained after excluding criteria. Of these, 212 participants did not follow-up on their postpartum visits, leaving the limitation to summarize the true prevalence of postpartum contraception use of the total population. However, of the 232 participants who visited postpartum follow-ups, the prevalence of contraceptive use was 95.8%. Married status was the only factor associated with higher postpartum contraceptive use (odds ratio (OR) 12.81 [3.38-48.64]). Age 18 years and older (ORadj1.71 [1.16-2.53]), absence of previous contraceptive use (ORadj1.91 [1.29-2.80]), and total antenatal care visits fewer than 8 (ORadj 1.61 [1.07-2.42]) were significantly related with loss to postpartum follow-ups.CONCLUSION: The prevalence of contraceptive use was high among teenage mothers who had follow-up postpartum visits. However, this population also had a high loss rate of postpartum visits. Interventions and close monitoring should be considered to evaluated further for effective adolescent reproductive services.

Adverse Perinatal Outcomes Among Teenage Mothers Delivering at a Tertiary Referral Hospital in Southwestern Uganda: Prevalence and Associated Factors.

Each year, millions of teenagers in low-resource areas experience unintended pregnancies, many of which result in childbirth. These pregnancies often carry an increased risk of negative perinatal outcomes. The study determined the prevalence and factors associated with adverse perinatal outcomes among teenagers delivering at a tertiary referral hospital in southwestern Uganda. This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. We consecutively included all teenagers (13-19 years) in the postnatal ward who delivered. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographic and outcome data, and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. Overall, 327 participants were enrolled. The mean age was 18.4 (SD1.1) years, while the mean number of antenatal care (ANC) visits attended was 4.6 (SD 1.9). Less than half delivered by cesarean 136 (41.6%) and 16 (4.9%) were HIV seropositive. Approximately 140 (42.8%) participants had adverse perinatal outcomes, including neonatal death (7, 2.1%), APGAR score at five minutes <7 (44, 13.5%), or low birth weight <2.5 kg (52, 15.9%). ANC attendance was mildly protective against adverse perinatal outcomes (aOR 0.91 (95% CI 1.14, 3.01), p=0.03). Feeling indifferent toward the pregnancy was associated with increased odds of one or more adverse perinatal outcomes compared to feeling happy about the pregnancy (aOR 3.39 (95% CI 1.11, 10.37), p=0.02). Participants with a history of prior miscarriage had increased odds of adverse perinatal outcomes (aOR 9.03 (95% CI 2.45, 25.53), p=0.04). Nearly half of teenagers experienced adverse perinatal outcomes, and a history of prior miscarriage was a significant risk factor for adverse perinatal outcomes, while ANC was protective. Prospective cohort studies to explore the newborn and child developmental outcomes among children born to teenage mothers are also recommended.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for the Treatment of Postpartum Depression: A Case Study Approach

The prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) has been linked to contradictory outcomes for mothers, infants, and mother-child relationships. Pakistan has the greatest prevalence percentage among the Asian countries which ranges from 28%-63% (Habiba et al., 2020). When it comes to treating postpartum depression, one of the best methods is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. (Hayes et al., 2006). However, a large number of new mothers choose not to seek expert assistance, which highlights the need for new platforms to be developed in order to provide health care services in Pakistan. As noted by Waters et al. (2020) the primary goal of this research is to develop and evaluate the ACT for postpartum depression in postpartum women. This treatment approach addresses mood and anxiety problems related to perinatal diseases. Utilizing the single-case study design. Our main resource who woman who volunteered, from teenage mothers to women in their forties who give birth. The intervention protocols and the strategy were developed in close collaboration with seasoned clinical psychologists and psychiatrists who are experts in the sector. The program was conducted weekly for a minimum of 12 weeks, during which the technique and treatment plan were explained in full. Compiling the patient's progress report and compiling the data received during treatment were done using computation. At the conclusion of the session, there was a notable decline in the severity of anxiety and depression symptoms. The goal is to compile positive evidence supporting the feasibility, efficacy, and proof-of-concept of ACT in reducing depressive symptoms in the postpartum phase. The advantages and disadvantages of this format were examined, along with their prospective applications in clinical health care and future research.

How does parental divorce affect children’s long-term outcomes?

Many papers report a negative association between parental divorce and child outcomes. To provide evidence whether this correlation is causal, we exploit idiosyncratic variation in the extent of gender balance in fathers’ workplaces. Fathers who encounter more women in their relevant age–occupation–group at work are more likely to divorce. This result is conditional on the overall proportion of female employees in a firm and on detailed industry affiliation. Parental divorce has persistent, and mostly negative effects on children that differ between boys and girls. Treated boys have lower levels of educational attainment, worse labor market outcomes and are more likely to die early. Treated girls also have lower levels of educational attainment, but they are also more likely to have children at an early age (especially in their teens). However, treated girls lose less in terms of employment. This could be a direct consequence of teenage motherhood, which initiates early entry into the labor market.

Assessing the experiences of teenage mothers in accessing healthcare in Rwanda

Teen mothers are more susceptible to the negative consequences of pregnancy, due to system-wide and socio-cultural barriers to accessing needed services, posing higher pregnancy complications and health risks to the babies and mothers. Understanding their lived experience can inform context-specific health programs and interventions that address their needs and improve the health outcomes. Twenty-three women who had delivered her first child before the age of 18 years were interviewed using semi-structured interview guide. The transcripts were coded, categorized and summarized into four major themes: 1) Many pregnant teen girls were disadvantaged by the system from accessing the healthcare services, 2) Although being judged, many found the health care services positive and important, 3) Faced financial difficulty in accessing health services, despite most medical services are covered by community based health insurance, 4) Health care services focuses mostly on the medical health of pregnancy, the social and psychological needs were mostly not available. The study highlighted the gap in providing mental health services, financial support to the teen mothers as part of a comprehensive health services. Some of them consulted health services for the first time with and did not return for follow up if perceived the services was bad. More sensitive and targeted materials and ANC services can be offered to this unique group of clients. More acceptance training to the health care providers and the public is needed. For health facilities, there is a need to also check their psychological wellbeing when seeking ANC services. Online or mobile phone-based mental health interventions may provide some solutions to the issue. Government should re-evaluate the health insurance system to avoid unintentional exclusion of this group of population. Policy to facilitate men to take responsibilities on teen pregnancy issue is needed.

Teenage Mothers &amp; Their Preschool Children

Teenage Mothers &amp; Their Preschool Children

A study of the teenage population in the Portibi subdistrict of the North Padang Lawas Regency

The percentage of teenage pregnancies in Indonesia is 0.02% at the age of &lt;15 years and 1.97% at the age of 15-19 years in Portibi sub-district, North Padang Lawas District. Adolescent mothers are known to have low exclusive breastfeeding coverage rates. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that influence exclusive breastfeeding in adolescent mothers in Portibi sub-district, North Padang Lawas Regency. This study used a survey method with a cross-sectional design. The study population was teenage mothers who had babies aged 6-24 months in Portibi sub-district, North Padang Lawas Regency. Data collection using questionnaires. Bivariate analysis used chi square and fisher's exact test while multivariate analysis used logistic regression. The results showed 46.7% of teenage mothers provided exclusive breastfeeding. Bivariate analysis showed that pregnancy status (p=0.029), perceived birth experience (p=0.045), perceived breastfeeding (p=0.005), husband support (p=0.009), family support (p=0.000) were associated with exclusive breastfeeding, education level (p=0.143) and employment status (p=0.352) were not associated with exclusive breastfeeding. Multivariate analysis showed that family support (p=0.014; RP=7.637) and breastfeeding perception (p=0.015; RP=9.746) were associated with exclusive breastfeeding. Family support was the most dominant factor in exclusive breastfeeding among adolescent mothers. Adolescent mothers who received support from their family and had a positive perception of breastfeeding had a 72.7% probability of exclusive breastfeeding.