Perspectives about social support among unmarried pregnant university students in South Africa

Abstract

Background Pregnant young women in an academic environment are susceptible to stressors associated with unintended pregnancy and academic demands of universities. The challenges they face may be exacerbated by lack of social support, putting them at risk of psychological disorders such as depression. Women who receive social support during pregnancy and postpartum experience less emotional distress and report greater maternal satisfaction. However, very little is known about the perspectives about social support among unmarried pregnant students in tertiary institutions. Methods Participants were purposively selected among unmarried pregnant students and those in the puerperal period at the time of the study. We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews to explore the perspectives of unmarried pregnant students on the type of support that they need during pregnancy and the puerperium and the period when most support is needed. The data were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim, then analysed using thematic analysis. Results The findings show that social supports (emotional, instrumental, informational, and financial) were highlighted as important resources to cope with stressors during pregnancy and post-birth. Emotional support from male partners was the most important type of support needed as it entailed a sense of being loved and cared for. Social support was identified as important throughout the different phases of pregnancy and post birth, with different support needs expressed at each of these phases. Conclusion This study identified support needs of unmarried pregnant university students in their transition to motherhood. Given the several challenges that they are faced with, unmarried pregnant students need social support, including male partner support to enhance wellbeing as they try to cope with academic and pregnancy-related stressors.

Young women’s social support networks during pregnancy in Soweto, South Africa

“…This finding is in line with a previous study that was conducted among pregnant young women attending a tertiary institution in South Africa which found that psychological support received from male partners is largely deemed as a major form of support required given that it was likened and associated with receiving affection, adoration and devotion. 42 Though the study's finding is supported by previous literature, it is largely contradictory to what has been observed in previous literature, which indicates that unmarried fathers have increased odds of being less involved during pregnancy than fathers who are in a marital union, thus having no obligation towards providing social support to the mother during pregnancy. 68 Our findings around partner support in this study are highly unanticipated as South Africa is largely documented to have high rates of father absenteeism, when compared to other countries 69 which can be partly traced back to the apartheid regime, urbanisation and labour migration, which had a strong impact on family life and composition and changed the manner in which families functioned, with these changes being more prominent in the roles of fathers, mothers and extended family members.…”

“… 40 , 41 In addition, one study that examined perceptions of receipt of social support among a group of pregnant young women who were not in a marital union and were enrolled in a tertiary institution in South Africa, showed that the pregnant students had a perceived need for male partner’s support, with emotional support cited as a major form of support required given that it was likened and associated with receiving affection, adoration and devotion. 42 …”

“…40,41 In addition, one study that examined perceptions of receipt of social support among a group of pregnant young women who were not in a marital union and were enrolled in a tertiary institution in South Africa, showed that the pregnant students had a perceived need for male partner's support, with emotional support cited as a major form of support required given that it was likened and associated with receiving affection, adoration and devotion. 42 The potential role that families play in childbearing practices of young women also merits further research given that many South African young women have been reported not to be married and are also resident in their families' households during their pregnancy. 43 Furthermore, several international studies have conducted research on social support initiatives that are specifically run by expectant mothers as well as professional initiatives during pregnancy.…”

Experiences of pregnant and parenting students at a university in Gauteng province

“…The majority of adolescent births are reported in sub-Saharan Africa, where school dropout is frequently observed (Jochim et al 2021). Pregnant and parenting students are bona fide students who are pregnant at the time of registration at tertiary institutions or become pregnant during their studies and raise dependent children while facing academic expectations (Phiri, Nyamaruze & Akintola 2023). Pregnancy is the first step in the process of becoming a mother, and it is a time when all women experience significant physical and psychological changes.…”

“…It is a time when many women spend money and energy preparing physically and emotionally for the birth of a child. Pregnancy impacts the mother's life, especially in academic institutions where there is also a chance of financial and academic pressure (Phiri et al 2023). This period may be marked by high levels of physical and mental stress.…”