Experiences of first-time adolescent pregnant women: a case of Mutasa district

Author

Gerede, Victoria

Title

Experiences of first-time adolescent pregnant women: a case of Mutasa district

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of first time adolescent pregnant women in Mutasa. The major aim of the study was to investigate the experiences of first time adolescent pregnant women in Mutasa District. The study aimed to investigate the challenges faced by first time adolescent pregnant women in Mutasa,to explore the barriers that prevent first time adolescent pregnant women from accessing the services they need, to examine the perceptions of the first time adolescent pregnant women on the efficacy of antenatal care services and to develop a model that can be used as panacea to address the problems faced by first time adolescent pregnant women. The research was qualitative in nature and employed interviews and a focus group discussion for the purpose of data collection. The study employed a case study research design. A sample size of 25 participants was reached from the target population of 30 participants. The population was utilised to collect relevant information to the study. The study employed the Systems theory and the theory of planned behavour. The study revealed that first time adolescent pregnant women in Mutasa are experiencing high cost on medical bills. The study also found that first time adolescent pregnant women are health crisis in public clinics leading to home delivery. The study revealed that, first time adolescent pregnant women are experiencing high infant mortality rate because first time adolescent pregnant women failed to attend prenatal maternal services due to the shortage of money and lack of experience. Moreover, transportation was also found during the research study that, first time adolescent pregnant women are experiencing. Lack of access to maternal health care was also found as one of the challenges that are being faced by first time adolescent pregnant women. Moreover, premature delivery is another challenge being faced by first time adolescence pregnant women in Mutasa District.The study also found that there are some barriers that prevent first-time adolescent pregnant women from accessing the support they need during pregnancy. Religious beliefs were found as one of the barriers limiting first time adolescent pregnant women to access effective maternal health services. The research revealed that, traditional and cultural beliefs also prevent many first-time pregnant women from accessing maternal health services. The study found that the percent of the first time adolescent pregnant women who mentioned that, antenatal care services were effective during their pregnancy is higher than those who mentioned that the services were very effective. The study also puts across some recommendations and developed a model that can be used to address challenges being faced by first time adolescent pregnant women. It recommends that there should be a multisectoral approach between the cohesive groups in all forms of assisting first time adolescent pregnant women in Mutasa.

Date

2024

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Pregnant women

Adolescent

Mutasa district

Supervisor

Mr. Njovu