Adolescent Pregnancy and Mental Health

Dillon, Mary E.

doi:10.1007/978-1-4899-8026-7_4

Cited by 11 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 124 publications

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“…This suggests that adolescent repeat pregnancies limit educational attainment and compound the socio-economic plight of these young women [ 21 ]. A repeat pregnancy during adolescence also increases parenting stress and child neglect [ 21 , 54 ], and thus adolescent repeat mothers are at high risk of depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation [ 21 , 55 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“I have to provide for another life emotionally, physically and financially”: understanding pregnancy, motherhood and the future aspirations of adolescent mothers in KwaZulu-Natal South, Africa

Govender

Naidoo

Taylor

2020

BMC Pregnancy Childbirth

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Background Adolescent pregnancy and motherhood has been a controversial and much disputed subject within the field of public health. Early childbearing is not only characterized as a physical body experience but also embodies the experiences and perceptions of the social norms, discourses, conflict and moral judgement. There is an increasing concern that the psychosocial challenges facing adolescent mothers remains in the background since research in this field has mainly focused on the medical and physical complications of early childbearing. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore adolescent pregnancy and motherhood in order to understand this phenomenon from the perspective of adolescent mothers and to gain insight into their future aspirations. Methods This descriptive qualitative study was based on data from four focus group discussions with adolescent mothers utilising healthcare services at a district hospital in Ugu district, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. The data were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim, then analysed using thematic analysis. Results Some adolescent mothers’ partners were in denial and rejected them and the child while others’ partners were happy and supported them during their pregnancy. Families’ reactions to the pregnancies ranged between anger and disappointment to abandonment, the silent treatment, and acceptance and forgiveness. The psychological issues experienced by some of the adolescent mothers included suicidal ideation, guilt, loneliness, anxiety, and stress. They also experienced financial constraints, difficulty in returning to school, and stigmatisation in society. The participants envisioned completing their education, focusing on their dream careers, and contributing positively to society. Conclusion Experiences of adolescent pregnancy and parenting are multifaceted and the healthcare needs of pregnant and parenting adolescents extend beyond information and knowledge. A multidisciplinary approach is required in the care of adolescent mothers. A key policy priority should encompass the collaboration of different professionals from various healthcare sectors to assist adolescent mothers in achieving better health and psychosocial and socio-economic outcomes as steps to securing a better future for them.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“I have to provide for another life emotionally, physically and financially”: understanding pregnancy, motherhood and the future aspirations of adolescent mothers in KwaZulu-Natal South, Africa

Govender

Naidoo

Taylor

2020

BMC Pregnancy Childbirth

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“…The evidence base on the linkages between adolescence, pregnancy and mental health is very limited and dominated by evidence from high income countries and few low-and middle-income countries (BeLue et al 2008;Fisher 2011;Dillon 2014;Siegel and Brandon 2014;Field et al 2020). Our evidence shows that the impacts of adolescent motherhood for psychosocial capabilities are significant and negative and reflect the multiple interconnected and cumulative ways in which pregnancy and motherhood affect adolescents' lives-curtailed education; social exclusion; worries about themselves and their child; internalized and enacted stigma; and, limited economic opportunities.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

‘If She’s Pregnant, then that Means that Her Dreams Fade Away’: Exploring Experiences of Adolescent Pregnancy and Motherhood in Rwanda

Coast

Mwali²,

Isimbi³

et al. 2021

Eur J Dev Res

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Adolescent motherhood can alter the future opportunities available to girls and the challenges they face. This article considers how adolescents’ capabilities are influenced by pregnancy and motherhood, using a mixed-methods case study of Rwanda. Adolescent motherhood impacts girls’ lives across multiple capabilities including education, psychosocial well-being, voice and agency, and economic empowerment. Rarely were adolescent mothers in our sample supported to return to school, for instance. Their pregnancy and motherhood were stigmatised by their families, peers, wider community and service providers. The psychosocial consequences of adolescent motherhood are significant, linked to social isolation and multifaceted stressors, including poverty. Despite recent policy and service improvements, adolescent mothers continue to be left behind.

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“…Further, it increases the risk of adverse mental health problems: substance abuse, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. [ 21 ] Additionally, stereotyping of adolescent mothers and discrimination leads to social exclusion and a high risk for postpartum depression. [ 22 23 ] Adolescent mothers are usually unprepared for parental responsibilities, are poverty-stricken and live in disadvantaged environments, and have high-stress levels, low educational attainment, and fewer psychological resources than women who delay childbearing.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Depression among currently married ever pregnant adolescents in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar: Evidence from understanding the lives of adolescents and young adults (UDAYA) survey, India

Patel,

Bhattacharyya,

Singh

et al. 2024

Indian Journal of Psychiatry

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Background: Depression is a major public health concern among Indian adolescents. Pre- and post-natal depression can often alter fetal development and have negative consequences on the physical and mental health of the mother. This paper aims to draw attention to the prevalence of depression and its correlates among currently married, ever-pregnant adolescents from two Indian States, i.e. Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Methods: This study utilizes data from a subsample (n = 3116) of the prospective cohort study Understanding the Lives of Adolescents and Young Adults (UDAYA) among 10 to 19 year-old adolescents. Bivariate analysis was performed to assess the prevalence of depression by sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics. To further access the predictors associated with depression a logistic regression model was applied. Results: Around one-tenth (9%) of pregnant adolescents had depression. Regression analysis indicated that substance use, religion, autonomy, considering attempting suicide, premarital relationship, violence, dowry, adverse pregnancy outcome, menstrual problem, and parental pressure for the child immediately after marriage were significantly associated with depression. Conclusions: This study confirms the pre-existing annotation that teen pregnancy is linked with depression. Findings indicate that Adolescent mothers experiencing violence, and a history of adverse pregnancy outcomes are at increased risk of developing depression. These study findings call for an urgent need to address depression among adolescent mothers.

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Adolescent Pregnancy and Mental Health

Cited by 11 publications

References 124 publications

“I have to provide for another life emotionally, physically and financially”: understanding pregnancy, motherhood and the future aspirations of adolescent mothers in KwaZulu-Natal South, Africa

“I have to provide for another life emotionally, physically and financially”: understanding pregnancy, motherhood and the future aspirations of adolescent mothers in KwaZulu-Natal South, Africa

‘If She’s Pregnant, then that Means that Her Dreams Fade Away’: Exploring Experiences of Adolescent Pregnancy and Motherhood in Rwanda

Depression among currently married ever pregnant adolescents in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar: Evidence from understanding the lives of adolescents and young adults (UDAYA) survey, India

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