Work

Experiences of teenage pregnancy and its consequences on adolescent girls in rural Sindh, Pakistan

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To explore the challenges of teenage pregnancy experienced by adolescent girls, and its impact on their social and psychological wellbeing. METHODS: The qualitative study was conducted from August 5 to September 17, 2023, in different villages in northern Sindh after approval from the institutional ethical review board of Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur, Pakistan. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with the subjects who had experienced teenage pregnancy in the preceding 2 years. Data was transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. RESULTS: Of the 37 subjects, 20(54%) were aged 19-20 years. The age at the time of marriage was 15-16 years in 22(59%) cases, and 16(43%) had received no formal education. Challenges, impact and outcome of teenage pregnancy were the 3 main themes identified on the basis of the collected data, indicating that it was a challenging experience for adolescent girls resulting in poor health outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Community-based interventions are needed to promote female education that may put an end to adolescent motherhood.

Source: Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association

DOI: 10.47391/jpma.11356

Authors: Nadia Agha, Rahim Dad Rind

Institution: Shah Abdul Latif University

Language: English

Topic: Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Gender equality, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $650