Experiences and coping strategies of teenage Mothers in Rubindi sub-county, Mbarara district, Uganda

Abstract

Teenage pregnancy is a global phenomenon with clearly known causes and serious health, social and economic consequences. Globally in 2021, an estimated 14 per cent of teenage girls and young women gave birth before age 18 (UNICEF, 2022). The study findings draw on a qualitative descriptive design. In-depth interviews were conducted with 8 teenage mothers and 3 key informants. The study findings illuminate the positive and negative experiences of teenage pregnant mothers. Negative experiences included abuse, physical challenges, mental health challenges(stress and depression), negative reactions from families and friends. Teenage mothers reported deprivation such as poor nutrition and physical difficulties including body weakness and difficulties in walking. They also experienced mental health difficulties such as stress, depression, sadness, worry about delivery and leaving school, negative thoughts; as well as interpersonal difficulties like abuses, insults, feelings of rejection and disappointment. Teenage mothers reported concern about the thought of the burden of taking care of themselves and the new babies, in the face of resource scarcity. Positive experiences included increased support from some family members. The study showed that a number of coping strategies of teenage pregnant mothers employed. Positive coping strategies include support from relatives and friends, spiritual support/religious support, support from partners/spouses and regular exercises. Negative experiences include ignoring the situation and violence and hatred. Basing on the findings of the study it is indicated that social support is the dominant form coping strategies employed by teenage pregnant mothers. Policy makers and practitioners seeking to improve outcomes for teenage mothers need to consider ways of mobilisation of social support to enhance coping for teenage mothers.