Coping mechanisms used by pregnant teenagers in Mafikeng Sub-district clinics, North West Province

Abstract

Background: Teenage pregnancy among adolescents is a global concern. Studies have revealed that teenage pregnancy negatively affects the health of teenagers as it interrupts their education and reduces their chances of a good future, such as job opportunities. Most teenagers who get pregnant, come from impoverished social backgrounds, have minimal hope and expectation of improvement of their current social economic situation, and hope that pregnancy will revive and establish self-identity, self-esteem lost due to poverty. The ability of young women to cope with their pregnancy and young motherhood seems then to depend on the generosity of members of the family by accepting the teenagers' pregnancy and supporting them during pregnancy and motherhood. However, information regarding how teenagers cope in the Mafikeng sub-district, which is the second largest province with high levels of teenage pregnancy, is unknown. Thus, the need for this study. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore and describe coping mechanisms used by pregnant teenagers in clinics in Mafikeng Sub-district, North West Province, South Africa. Setting: The study was conducted in three Sub-district clinics, Mafikeng, North West Province, South Africa. Methods: A qualitative-exploratory-descriptive and contextual research design was used to answer the research questions. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was used to select pregnant teenagers. Semi-structured individual interviews were used to collect data, through WhatsApp video calls, and the data analysed following Tesch's method of qualitative content analysis. Results: Eight themes emerged in the study as follows: (1) negative feelings due to teenage pregnancy; (2) negative parental reaction; (3) effects of teenage pregnancy at school; (4) societal challenges; (5) lack of spousal support; (6) effects of pregnancy on teenagers; (7) coping mechanisms used by pregnant teenagers; and (8) recommendations to improve coping mechanisms of pregnant teenagers. Conclusion: The findings suggest that pregnant teenagers tend to experience a stressful pregnancy journey, which affects their personal lives physically, psychologically, educationally and socially. The findings also suggest that pregnant teenagers cope better with challenges of pregnancy, with the support of friends, partners, parents and members of the family.