Poster #128 - Exploring the Lived Experiences of Teenage Mothers with Repeat Pregnancies in Ablekuma sub-Metropolis in Ghana

• In Event: 2-002 - Special Poster Session 05 with Continental Breakfast Reception
  In Poster Session: PS 05 - International Section

Integrative Statement

Background and objectives: Repeat pregnancies among teenage mothers is a major social problem in Ghana. The extant literature has shown that repeat pregnancies have more devastating effects on teenage mothers than a single pregnancy. Teenage mothers who have repeat pregnancies are more likely to experience pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia, placenta abruption, intrauterine growth restriction, and preterm birth. They are also more likely to have children with emotional and behavioral problems. Although the phenomenon of repeat pregnancies among teenage mothers in Ghana has received some research attention, to date, there is a dearth of studies that focus on the lived experiences of teenage mothers with repeat pregnancies. Thus, the objectives of this study were to: (a) explore the lived experiences of teenage mothers in Ablekuma sub-Metropolis in Accra, Ghana who have had repeat pregnancies, (b) identify challenges faced by these teenage mothers, (c) explore knowledge and awareness of contraceptive use among teenage mothers with repeat pregnancies, and (d) ascertain the social support mechanisms available to teenage mothers with repeat pregnancies.
Data and Methods: A qualitative research design was used to explore the lived experiences of teenage mothers in Ablekuma sub-Metropolis who have had repeat pregnancies. Convenience and snowball sampling methods were used to recruit thirty-three teenage mothers with repeat pregnancies and eight health workers from Mamprobi Polyclinic in Ablekuma sub-Metropolis. Data were collected using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Data were transcribed, coded, and analysed using a phenomenological approach to identify emerging themes.
Results: The results indicate that factors contributing to repeat pregnancies included: low level of education, truancy, early marriage, poverty, peer pressure, and intimate partner violence. Besides, teenage mothers with repeat pregnancies faced educational, financial and health and mental health challenges, as well as stigmatization in the community. Also, some teenage mothers with repeat pregnancies reported that they had preterm births and children who were abused or neglected. Moreover, findings showed that even though the health centers, family, friends, and schools played a crucial role in disseminating information on contraceptives, teenage mothers with repeat pregnancies included in this study had limited knowledge on contraceptives. Additionally, cultural norms and beliefs on contraceptives, and institutional challenges were barriers to teenage mothers’ access and utilization of contraceptives and family planning services. Also, teenage mothers with repeat pregnancies obtained support from their spouses, in-laws, families, neighbors, and health workers.
Conclusion: Repeat pregnancies among teenage mothers negatively affects the development and wellbeing of teen mothers and their children. The study therefore recommended that stakeholders (social workers, organizations that offer family planning services, and Ministry of Health), should promote education on teenage pregnancy, contraceptives, and support services available particularly to at-risk teenage mothers. This w help reduce teenage pregnancy and provide, support services for teenage mothers with repeat pregnancies. The implications of the findings of this study as they pertain to maternal and child development are discussed with suggestions for research and policy.

Authors

• Lucinda Okine, University of Ghana
  Presenting Author

• Mavis Dako-Gyeke, University of Ghana
  Non-Presenting Author

• Kingsley Mort, University of Ghana
  Non-Presenting Author

• Philip Baiden, The University of Texas at Arlington
  Non-Presenting Author