Experiences and coping mechanisms of very young adolescents who had unwanted pregnancy at Naguru hospital

Abstract

Background: Unwanted pregnancy a major reproductive health problem in the whole country. This was due to its severe consequences to both the mother and the unborn foetus. Objectives: To explore the experiences and coping mechanisms of Very Young Adolescents who had unwanted pregnancies at Naguru Hospital Kampala Uganda. Methods: The study was exploratory qualitative study.10 participants recruited purposively for the interview. An in-depth interview guide used. Data analysed manually. Summarized findings into sub-themes under the main themes. Results: The experiences were mainly negative. Sub-themes included; Personal reactions like personal fears and feeling ashamed and guilty. Experiences arising from partners’ responses to the pregnancy i.e. being rejected by the man. Experiences arising from the interactions within family, community and health system included; being overworked, social stigma and discrimination, asked to come to come with husband. Coping mechanisms were mainly positive; Personal reactions like disclosed to friends. Positive thinking; developed self-resilience. Social support from friends and parents. Spiritual Strength through trusting in God and praying Conclusion: Findings provided an insight to experiences of VYA mothers like personal reactions. Partners reactions like partners ill treatment. The coping mechanism employed was personal reactions, positive thinking. Support from friends and health workers. Spiritual strength trusting in God and Praying.