Teenage Mothers Research Articles

Teenage motherhood in Africa: The epidemic in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Efforts are urgently needed to increase access to sexual education and contraception, which has been proven to be effective in other contexts during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

“We were girls but suddenly became mothers”: Evaluating the effects of teenage motherhood on girl’s educational attainment in the Volta Region

“We were girls but suddenly became mothers”: Evaluating the effects of teenage motherhood on girl’s educational attainment in the Volta Region

Assessing the Level of Evidence for Interventions Used for Repeat Pregnancy in Teens for Possible Integration Into Evidence-Based Practice: A Review of Literature for Studies Carried out in the US From 1990 - 2021

Background: Repeat teen pregnancy among adolescents represents an important public health challenge worldwide as well as in the USA. Repeat teen pregnancy negatively impacts teen mother and the child, in enormous ways. It can cause emotional, psychological and educational challenges, as well as affect the life and opportunities of young mothers and their children. The children of teenage mothers are more likely to have lower school achievement and to drop out of high school, have more health problems, be incarcerated at some time during adolescence, give birth as a teenager, and face unemployment as a young adult.Understanding the levels of evidence of the interventions for adolescent repeat pregnancy can provide guidance to health practitioners and decision makers in selecting an intervention.The aim of this review is to assess the level of evidence of repeat pregnancy interventions conducted in the U.S. (United States) for possible integration into evidence-based practice.Methods: We focused on articles conducted in the U.S. and published between 1990 and 2021. We searched for articles in: The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, EMBASE, Social Science Citation Index, Science Citation Index, Dissertations, Abstracts Online, PsycINFO, CINAHL, POPLINE, and the reference lists of articles.Research Question: ‘What are the levels of evidence for interventions for teen repeat pregnancy?’ Selection criteria: We included and evaluated any intervention that aimed to promote spacing of 2nd birth and reduced repeat teen pregnancies in adolescents ages 13 –19 years. Results: We retrieved fifty-two (52) primary repeat pregnancy intervention studies conducted in the U.S. from 1990 to 2021. Twenty-five (25) interventions met the inclusion criteria and were statistically significant. There were 12 randomized control studies that were statistically significant and met Level I evidence. Six (6) Quasi-experimental studies that were statistically significant and met Level II evidence. There were five (5) Cohort studies that were statistically significant, one prospective and four retrospective studies and met Level III evidence. Two descriptive studies of Level IV evidence.Conclusion: Interventions, can be categorized into: home visitation, peer support, school based and comprehensive interventions including contraceptive use. There were also disparities in the intervention follow-ups, components, study location, statistical analyses and persons conducting the intervention. These disparities, made it difficult to compare and contrast the different interventions. We were able to successfully assign Levels of evidence to each intervention. We identified Twelve (12) Level I; Six(6) Level II; five (5) Level III and two (2) Level IV.

Risk of infection in neonates born in accidental out-of-hospital deliveries.

Accidental out-of-hospital deliveries (OHDs) are known to have a higher incidence of maternal and neonatal complications. However, neonatal infection related to OHDs has not been studied. The aim of this study was to determine the infection risk of OHDs. This retrospective cohort study enrolled neonates admitted at a children's hospital in an urban setting from January 2004 to December 2017. Accidental OHDs were compared with in-hospital births, and neonatal infection was assessed. This study also investigated both maternal and neonatal risk factors associated with OHDs. A cohort of 158 OHD neonates was enrolled, of whom 29 (23.2%) were preterm. Prematurity and low birth weight were significantly associated with OHD. Eight neonates in the OHD cohort had a documented infection within the first 72 hours of life, which was 11-fold higher than infections documented for the in-hospital births. Multivariate analysis identified low birth weight as the only factor independently associated with increased risk of infection in OHD neonates. Several specific characteristics of mothers with OHDs were identified. Forty-nine (31%) OHD mothers lacked antenatal care, and 10 (6.3%) were unaware of their pregnancies. The OHD group comprised of more teenage mothers compared to the in-hospital deliveries category. Neonatal infection was more prevalent among OHDs than for in-hospital deliveries, and the infection rate was associated with low birth weight. Hospitalization for further care and observation is suggested for the OHD neonates. Social support should be provided for populations with an increased risk of OHD, such as teenage mothers.

Teenage Mothers’ Health across Different Life Stages*

This paper determines the role of teenage motherhood and the likely channels through which teenage motherhood contributes to lifetime health disparities between teenage mothers and other women. We apply fixed‐effects regressions, including a broad range of background characteristics, to control for prior disadvantage associated with teenage motherhood. We find that teenage motherhood is negatively associated with both mental and physical health and that the impacts worsen in later life stages. We identify several mediating factors that partly explain the impact of teenage motherhood for mental health; the strongest pathways are through social support, family and economic outcomes.

Consumption of ultra-processed foods during the first year of life and associated factors in Cruzeiro do Sul, Brazil.

This article aims to assess the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) during the first year of life and associated factors. We analyzed data from the one-year follow-up of the MINA-Brazil birth cohort. Socioeconomic, demographic and obstetric data were collected in the baseline study and at one-year follow-up (n = 774). Dietary intake during the previous day was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire to determine UPF consumption. Multiple Poisson regression with robust variance was performed to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) and confidence intervals (95%CI) for factors associated with the consumption of ≥ 3 UPFs. Prevalence of UPF consumption and consumption of ≥ 3 UPFs was 87.5% and 40.5%, respectively. Consumption of ≥ 3 UPFs was associated with lower maternal education (≤ 9 years of schooling [PR: 2.02 95%CI 1.42; 2.87] and between 10-12 years of schooling [PR: 1.55, 95%CI 1, 11; 2.14]), below-average wealth index (PR: 1.26, 95%CI 1.04; 1.53), and having a teenage mother (PR:1.19, 95%CI 1.00; 1.49). Lack of dietary diversity was inversely associated with the outcome (RP: 0,65, IC95% 0,51; 0,81). The consumption of ≥ 3 UPFs was associated with lower wealth index, education and maternal age. Dietary diversity was associated with higher levels of UPF consumption.

Life after teenage childbearing: A long-term view on teenage mothers’ wellbeing

ABSTRACT Background This study aims to address the lack of information about the long-term wellbeing of (former) teenage mothers in the Netherlands. It provides data which policymakers can use to ensure that support programmesmeet the needs of teenage mothers. Methods Women who had given birth before the age of twenty were recruited online by Fiom, expertise centre on unintended pregnancy (December 2018–February 2019; N = 248). Survey data were obtained to assess how they perceived their wellbeing, employment, education, housing, and social support. Respondents were divided into three groups: 0–3 years after teenage childbearing (short term), 4–12 years (medium term), >12 years (long term). Results were analysed using univariate and bivariate descriptions in SPSS. Results Almost 80% of respondents reported that they were doing well and were satisfied with their lives, 63% had a job, and 17% were students. Short-term mothers worked fewer hours per week, received more benefits, and were less satisfied with their living conditions compared to medium- and long-term mothers. 36% Of the respondents smoked cigarettes. Most support was given by family (83%), mainly by female relatives. About 24% received formal support from social workers or institutions. Conclusions Respondents, on average, reported they were doing well and were satisfied with their lives, in both the short and long term. These results suggest that as the years pass, teenage mothers overcome difficulties. Regarding income and housing, however, short-term mothers were in a less favourable position. Tailored interventions are recommended to address smoking among (former) teenage mothers.

Gambaran Kejadian Postpartum Blues pada Ibu Remaja di Sukowono, Jember

Postpartum blues appear when someone does not successfully adapt to changes in life patterns due to pregnancy, labor and postpartum. Young mothers who are still not ready to be morally responsible often face mental turmoil due to still having an unstable mental attitude and immature emotions. The purpose of this study was to describe the incidence of postpartum blues in adolescent mothers in Sukowono District, Jember Regency. The research design used non-experimental research methods with descriptive research methods. The study was conducted on 34 postpartum teenage mothers using a total sampling technique. Data collection used EPDS questionnaire from January 2019 until February 2019. The results showed that postpartum teenage mothers as many as 10 respondents (29.4%) had the possibility of postpartum blues, 22 respondents (64.7%) occurred postpartum blues, 1 respondent (2.9%) experienced the possibility of postpartum depression, and 1 respondent (2.9%) experienced postpartum depression. The researchers describes that postpartum blues factors are age, parity, planning for pregnancy, level of education, occupation, socio-economic, tribe and type of labor in postpartum adolescent mothers. Important for nurses to optimize their role as educators and counselors to provide education and health information related to factors that influence the incidence of postpartum blues in adolescent mothers.

Generasi Berencana Peduli Organ Reproduksi Perempuan (GenRe POP) Dalam Meningkatkan Personal Menstrual Hygiene Pada Remaja

Adolescents are at risk of health problems, especially when they face signs of adolescent development during puberty, namely menstruation. Adolescents tend to be less likely to maintain personal hygiene during menstruation (personal menstrual hygiene). Improper behavior in personal menstrual hygiene in adolescents can cause reproductive tract infections and other health problems. The purpose of this activity is to increase the knowledge and insight of adolescents in general to maintain personal hygiene during menstruation. The method of this activity is divided into several steps, starting with the socialization of the activity agenda, providing educational materials to teenagers through Zoom meetings, edutainment of the snake and ladder game on the carpet in the courtyard of the mosque area and finally a discussion (FGD) for mothers of teenagers about personal menstrual hygiene. The result of this activity is an increase in knowledge of personal menstrual hygiene in adolescents before and after attending education. Providing education that is packaged with a snake and ladder game model is proven to be effective in increasing adolescent knowledge about personal menstrual hygiene.

PEMBERDAYAAN IBU REMAJA MELALUI PELATIHAN SELF-ESTEEM DAN PEMBUATAN ABON IKAN DI NUSA TENGGARA TIMUR

Adolescent pregnancy remains a major issue in terms of health and social as it relates to morbidity and mortality of mothers and children. Therefore, a more holistic approach is required to support adolescent mothers to have a better quality of life. This empowering project, conducted in Oelasin Village, Southwest Rote, NTT was to empower psychologically and economically 20 adolescent mothers to have a normal life again and a chance of having equal position in household. Three days of an intensive self-esteem building program was undertaken to restore the self- esteem of the 20 participants and to improve their ability to cope with stigma and motherhood. The training consisted of three main activities, such as self-esteem materials and exercises, interpersonal counseling, and sharing experiences. The training was then followed with shredded fish (abon ikan) making training as an economic empowerment training that provided a sustainable relevant skill for the participants to generate income. At the final stage, participants joined in eight months of mentoring on shredded fish production and promotion activities. Through the participation in this project, the 20 teenage mothers are empowered to build a better quality of life for themselves and their families, and their environment in general.

A Multifaceted Investigation into the Menace of Teenage Pregnancies in a Rural Ghanaian Community

Introduction: Babies should be born to developed and well-adjusted parents in safe relationships and with the means to support and care for them. This will enable them to have a conducive atmosphere for their proper growth and development. Such a conducive atmosphere is usually not available for babies born to teenagers in rural Ghana.
 Aim: The research sought to investigate several aspects of the incidence of teenage pregnancies in Penkye community, a rural community in the Effutu Municipality in the Central Region of Ghana.
 Method: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed for the study. A well-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from sixty (60) respondents through a purposive sampling technique. Data were analysed with the aid of SPSS version 19 and presented quantitatively.
 Results: The study found that teenage pregnancies were high among teenagers between the ages of 17 and 19. The study also identified that all the teenagers knew of contraceptives but only a few used contraceptives. Peer influence, broken homes, and poverty were identified as the main factors contributing to the incidence of teenage pregnancies in the study area.
 Conclusion: Teenage pregnancies have adverse effects on the physical, social, mental health and socio-economic status of the mother, the new-born and the community at large. Therefore, it is necessary to put in measures to reduce the occurrence of teenage pregnancies in the society.
 Recommendations: Based on findings of the study, there is the need for government through the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education to incorporate adolescent health programmes in the school curriculum to empower teenagers to make better life choices and develop social support systems to assist teenage mothers.

“Courage in Ignorance”: Mothers’ Retrospective Accounts of Early Childbearing in Turkey

Although extensive research investigates the consequences of teenage motherhood, there is still very limited research exploring young mothers’ experiences in their own voices. This gap is particularly evident for those non-Western developing countries in which women’s voices are largely muted. This paper explores women’s perceptions and evaluations of their early motherhood, drawing on their lived experiences and retrospective accounts. This study also investigates how early first birth influences these mother’s subsequent fertility. The study adopts a qualitative method based on interviews with a total of 17 women in several cities in Turkey who had their first birth at a young age (ages 17-22). A qualitative approach is most suitable for this research area, which aims to explore young mothers’ interpretations of their fertility timing and the consequences of this event for their lives in general, including subjective evaluations and subtle meanings. A key finding of this study is that the interviewees describe early childbearing as a negative event in their life course, convey regret for having had an early first birth, and report a feeling of dissatisfaction with being a young mother. A second finding concerns the influence of early first birth on subsequent childbearing. The women’s accounts indicate that subsequent fertility operated as a compensation for the missed feelings of motherhood and served as an opportunity to heal from hurtful experiences. This study points to the importance of social context in determining the consequences of early fertility.

Teenage childbearing and school dropout in a sample of 18,791 single mothers in Cameroon

BackgroundAdolescent childbearing increases the risk of adverse health and social consequences including school dropout (SDO). However, it remains unclear why some teenage mothers drop out of school and others do not, especially in sub-Saharan Africa settings. We aimed to investigate the background and behavioral characteristics of single mothers, associated with school dropout in a sample of 18,791 Cameroonian girls, who had their first child during adolescence.MethodsWe used data from a national registry of single mothers, collected during the years 2005–2008 and 2010–2011. Both bivariate analysis and logistic binary regression models were used to explore the relationship between adolescence motherhood and SDO controlling for a range of socio-economic, family, sexual and health seeking behavior characteristics.ResultsAmong the 18,791 single mothers, 41.6% had dropped out of school because of pregnancy. The multivariable regression model showed that SDO was more common in those who were evicted from their parental home (aOR: 1.85; 95% CI: 1.69–2.04), those who declared having other single mothers in their family (aOR: 1.16; 95% CI 1.08–1.25) and in mothers who had their first child before 15. Using modern contraceptive methods, having declared no sexual partner during the last year and having less than 2 children were associated with a reduced likelihood of school dropout.ConclusionsStrong social support is essential to ensure school continuity in this vulnerable population. Dropping out of school may put the teenage mother more at risk of unsafe health behaviour and new pregnancies.

Investigating the disjoint between education and health policy for infant feeding among teenage mothers in South Africa: a case for intersectoral work

BackgroundMany low-and-middle-income countries, including South Africa, have high rates of teenage pregnancy. Following the World Health Organisation recommendations, South African health policy on infant feeding promotes exclusive breastfeeding until six months of age, with gradual weaning. At the same time, South Africa’s education department, in the interest of learners, promotes adolescents’ early return to school post-partum. Yet infant feeding at school is currently not perceived as a realistic option.MethodsRecognising his this policy tension, we aimed to explore how policies are interpreted and implemented by the health and education sectors through interviews with key informants who produce, interpret and implement these policies. Using an interview guide developed for this study, we conducted in-depth interviews with 24 health policy makers, managers in both sectors, school principals and nursing staff who manage adolescent mothers (aged 16-19) and their babies. Data was analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsInformants from both sectors expressed discomfort at pregnant learners remaining in school late in pregnancy and were uncertain about policy regarding when to return to school and how long to breast-feed. Educators reported that new mothers typically returned to school within a fortnight after delivery and that breastfeeding was not common. While health professionals highlighted the benefits of extended breastfeeding for infants and mothers, they recognised the potential conflict between the need for the mother to return to school and the recommendation for longer breastfeeding. Additionally, the need for ongoing support of young mothers and their families was highlighted.ConclusionsOur findings suggest educators should actively encourage school attendance in a healthy pregnant adolescent until delivery with later return to school, and health providers should focus attention on breastfeeding for the initial 4-6 weeks postpartum, followed by guided support of formula-feeding. We encourage the active engagement of adolescents’ mothers and extended families who are often involved in infant feeding and care decisions. Education and health departments must engage to facilitate the interests of both the mother and infant: some exclusive infant feeding together with a supported return to school for the adolescent mother.

Socially isolated and digitally excluded. A qualitative exploratory study of the lives of Roma teenage mothers during the COVID-19 lockdown

This paper explores the interlinks between multiple layers of exclusion and deprivation of Roma adolescents mothers in the context of COVID-19 pandemic, in order to understand: a) how different types of exclusion (e.g., digital, social, educational) overlap and how are those types of exclusion lived and perceived by teenage mothers; and b) whether and how the COVID-19 pandemic changed existing inequalities in their situation. In our paper, we refer to teenage mothers to describe mothers who gave birth before the age of 18.The study has a qualitative exploratory approach and relies on ten interviews conducted with Roma teenage mothers in peripheral urban areas in Romania during COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in the Spring of 2020. As a theoretical framework, the study employs the Relative Digital Deprivation Theory, (Helsper, 2016) which touches upon three dimensions of digital divides while revealing different markers of agency that young mothers manifest. In our understanding, “agency” is not limited to active agency, but encompasses the “tacit or hidden agency” as well (Sniekers, 2018). Moreover, we relied on Maheshwari’s work (2019) that developed the concept of positioning to understand how individuals’ identities are shaped by different competing discourses (e.g. victimhood and agency).Although from an absolute‑objective perspective the results showed these young women as being digitally and socially excluded, from their subjective-relative perspective, with their lives gravitating around their new babies and partners, their exclusion is not perceived as unfair or illogical, but in line with the usual expectations and values of their communities.Unexpectedly, the lockdown period did not have too much of a disturbing effect on their already secluded and hugely marginalized lives (online or offline), although in some cases some changes occurred. Being already socially excluded, they continued living in their micro-universes of their homes in remote, already separated areas, only marginally connected to few parts of the rest of the world via digital technologies, many times restricted in their functionality and usage (i.e., by poor devices, poor connection, financially poor for data services, poor skills).We anticipate the study to have high stakes with regards to policies of social and digital inclusion of (Roma) adolescent mothers, not only by showing the picture of the digital exclusion of a population that is usually missing from digital research, but also by understanding their point of view on their state and by understanding the importance of a valid referent (e.g., more digitally included), which would represent a positive example to motivate them towards making a change.

Exploring challenges of teenage pregnancy and motherhood from beneficiaries and providers' perspectives: A qualitative study in a rural area of Purba Bardhaman District, West Bengal.

Teenage pregnancy and motherhood are globally important public health concerns. In India, 6.8% women between 15 and 19 years were already mothers or pregnant, whereas in Purba-Bardhaman district of West Bengal it was 21.9% (National-Family-Health-Survey-5). Challenges of teenage pregnancy and motherhood needs to be understood from beneficiaries' and providers' perspectives. This study aimed at exploring the various challenges faced by teenagers during their pregnancies and motherhood and understanding the barriers of service delivery to them in a block of West Bengal. A qualitative study with phenomenological approach was conducted between January and June 2021 in Bhatar community development block of Purba-Bardhaman district, West Bengal. In-depth interview (IDI) of 12 purposively selected teenage mothers and two sessions of Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) among 17 Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) were conducted. Data was collected by audio recording the IDI and FGD sessions as well as by taking notes. Inductive thematic analysis was done by using NVIVO software (Release 1.0, QSR International). Throughout teenage pregnancy and motherhood, subjects were found to face various types of medical problems, lack of awareness, and non-supportive family environment. Various social constraints and psychosocial stressors emerged as significant challenges. Communication gaps, behavioural barriers, socio-cultural issues, and administrative issues were major themes emerged as barriers of service delivery. Lack of awareness and medical problems were important challenges faced by the teenage mothers whereas behavioural barriers were the most important service level barriers perceived by the grass root level service providers.

Exclusive Breastfeeding Intentions Among Adolescents In Urban Communities In Ibadan, Nigeria.

Purpose: During adolescence, a female child makes several decisions, and the choice to breastfeed in the near future is conceivably shaped. But in sub-Saharan Africa where teenage pregnancy and teenage motherhood is on the rise, there is a dearth of information on the intention of adolescents to exclusively breastfeed (EBF) in community settings. Therefore, this study assessed exclusive breastfeeding intentions, knowledge and attitude of adolescents in urban communities in Ibadan, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive community-based cross-sectional study was carried out, selecting 271 respondents. Data were analysed with the aid of IBM SPSS version 21 at P ≤ .05. Results: Mean age of adolescents was 17.5 ± 1.3 years, and 96.3% would breastfeed their children later in future. However, only 37.6%, 22.5% and 50.2% had the intention to exclusively breastfeed, good knowledge score and positive attitude, respectively. There were significant relationships between respondents’ age, educational attainment, parents’ educational attainment, level of knowledge, attitude and intention. The coefficient of knowledge and attitude were significant predictors of good intention to practise EBF. Major predictors of good intention were good knowledge [OR = 36.5; 95% CI (9.2, 145.2)] and positive attitude toward EBF [OR = 9.7; 95% CI (3.6, 25.9)]. Conclusions: The EBF intention was influenced by multiple factors and should be considered in determining the effectiveness of interventions targeting this practice. Therefore, coherent EBF education interventions that commence from adolescence to promote the practice by adulthood are urgently needed to improve knowledge, attitude and intention about EBF rate and confer the cancer-risk reducing benefits.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with HIV Infection among Teenage Mothers Delivered at Mulago Hospital—A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: HIV infection during pregnancy is still a grave problem, especially in developing countries; this is especially true for teenage pregnancy. We here attempted to determine the prevalence of HIV among teenage mothers and the factors associated with acquiring HIV infection amongst them. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary institute in Uganda from November 2016 to January 2017. We interviewed a total of 395 teenage pregnant women. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were made, with the results presented by odds ratios (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Of 395, 34 (8.6%) were HIV positive. Of the 34, ten were born when infected and 4 had HIV following defilement. All the mothers were on anti-HIV treatment at the time of the study. The factors associated with HIV infection were: age (AOR = 2.8, CI = 1.50 - 5.33), age at sexual debut (0.6, 0.43 - 0.94), the age difference between couples (1.1, 1.02 - 1.18), and living in a polygamous relationship (10, 2.56 - 17.85). Conclusion: High percentage of teenage pregnant women showed HIV positive. Age of the mother, age at sexual debut, the age difference between the couple, and living in a polygamous relationship was associated with HIV infection in this fraction.

Subdermal Contraceptive Implants and Repeated Teenage Motherhood: Evidence from a Major Maternity Hospital-Based Programme in Uruguay

Subdermal Contraceptive Implants and Repeated Teenage Motherhood: Evidence from a Major Maternity Hospital-Based Programme in Uruguay

Repercussões maternas e neonatais da gravidez na adolescência

OBJECTIVE: To compare the influence of maternal age on birth weight and other related factors. METHODS: the present study consists of a retrospective cohort carried out in two public maternity hospitals in Maceió - Brazil. The sample consisted of 84 puerperal women (28 adolescents and 56 aged between 20 and 30 years) and their respective newborns. RESULTS: Teenage pregnancy was significantly associated with low birth weight, inadequate prenatal consultations number, disproportionate Roher Index, father and mother of the child not living in the same household and prematurity. A difference of 471.5g occurred in newborns from young adult mothers compared to children of teen mothers. The use of alcohol, drugs and contraceptive methods did not obtain statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the unfavorable socioeconomic and perinatal conditions of teen mothers compared to young adults, maternal age less than 16 years seems to have influenced the lower mean birth weight and the association of low birth weight and delayed uterine growth in this group of adolescents.