Understanding adolescent perinatal wellbeing in rural parts of Kenya
A qualitative study
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21257172 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Evaline Langat (0000-0001-6673-0039, Aga Khan University Nairobi, corresponding author), Marleen Temmerman (0000-0003-2069-8752, Aga Khan University Nairobi), Margrette Hanselmann (Aga Khan University Nairobi), Kethakie Lamahewa (0000-0002-1210-7716, King's College London), Violet Naanyu (0000-0003-0182-1719, Moi University), Mellan Lilumbi (Busara Center for Behavioral Economics), Tatiana Taylor Salisbury (0000-0002-8249-3886, King's College London) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 7 |
| Pages | 100437 |
| Publication date | 2025-06-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | SSM - Mental Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2666-5603 • E-ISSN: 2666-5603 |
| Publisher | Elsevier BV (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1016/j.ssmmh.2025.100437 |
| OpenAlex | W4409374276 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 36 |
Despite global efforts to reduce adolescent birth rates, the problem persists in low- and middle-income countries. Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest rates (97.9 births per 1000 women). In Kenya, more than 15 % of adolescent girls become pregnant. Forty-three percent of these develop depression. This study investigated adolescent pregnancy in rural Kenya to understand the challenges and context-specific factors that can help adolescents maintain good mental health during pregnancy and the motherhood. An exploratory qualitative study was conducted in Kilifi County between October and November 2021. A total of 73 participants consented to participate in the study. Twenty adolescents took part in in-depth interviews (IDIs). Young women (12) with experience of adolescent pregnancies, partners (5), family members (24), and community influencers (12) participated in separate focus group discussions (FGDs). IDIs and FGDs were conducted in Swahili to understand experiences, challenges and opportunities for supporting mental health during the perinatal period. Data were translated and transcribed then analyzed thematically. Five themes emerged from the study: pregnancy as an isolating event, challenges accessing antenatal care, limited future potential, mental health impact of adolescent pregnancy, and protective factors for sustaining good mental health. Adolescents expressed mixed feelings about their pregnancies but shared common worries, including difficulties accessing skilled antenatal care, strained family relationships, and uncertainty about their future, particularly regarding education and employment. These challenges were exacerbated by a lack of support, cultural norms, and a desire to avoid shame. Protective factors for maintaining good mental health included self-encouragement, acceptance, and supportive relationships. Pregnant adolescents face significant challenges that affect their ability to cope with pregnancy and parenthood. To promote their mental health, they need strong social support from partners, family, teachers, and healthcare workers, as well as access to life skills, education, social welfare, and employment systems. • Adolescent pregnancies in rural Kenya, is marred with significant social, economic, and health implications. • Adolescent pregnancy heightens emotions, leading to anxiety, depression, and fear of the future. Some adolescents consider self-harm, abortion, or running away. • Pregnancy frequently results in adolescents discontinuing their education, limiting their future career and employment opportunities. • Protective factors on mental health included, positive self-encouragement and resilience among the adolescent, family support, education support and health care access. • Addressing adolescent perinatal health requires coordinated efforts from families, communities, healthcare providers, and adolescents themselves. Prioritizing mental health support is crucial for improving outcomes for both adolescent mothers and their children
Developmental psychology · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Global Maternal and Child Health · Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum · Psychology
Prevalence and determinants of common perinatal mental disorders in women in low- and lower-middle-income countries
Effect of a participatory intervention with women's groups on birth outcomes and maternal depression in Jharkhand and Orissa, India
Effect of a participatory intervention with women's groups on birth outcomes in Nepal
Determinants of adolescent pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa
Protocol for intervention development to improve adolescent perinatal mental health in Kenya and Mozambique
A scoping review of the impact of organisational factors on providers and related interventions in LMICs
Overlooked and unaddressed
Analysis of selected social determinants of health and their relationships with maternal health service coverage and child mortality in Vietnam
“As a Young Pregnant Girl… The Challenges You Face”
(De)Criminalizing Adolescent Sex
Health Care Workers’ Perspectives of the Influences of Disrespectful Maternity Care in Rural Kenya
Challenges and opportunities for improving access to adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health services and information in the coastal counties of Kenya
Using thematic analysis in psychology
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |