Browsing by Author "Grace Atim"

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Study to Explore Lived Experience of Teenage Mothers During Pregnancy and Childbirth in Itojo Hospital, Ntungamo District
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-10-01) Grace Atim
Adolescence is a transitional stage from childhood to adulthood and is therefore a critical period in development, characterized by both opportunities and risks. By 2016, 16% of the world’s population were adolescents, with 82% residing in developing countries. Approximately 12 million births were attributed to 15–19-year-olds. Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly East Africa, exhibits high adolescent pregnancy rates, with figures reaching as high as 35.8% in Uganda. Among Uganda’s maternal mortality ratio of 198 per 100.000 live births, 17.1% were associated with adolescents aged 15-19. While research has been conducted to understand the factors contributing to such pregnancies, little is known about their lived experiences during early motherhood. Consequently, we aimed to explore the lived experiences of teenage mothers attending Itojo District Hospital in Ntungamo. Methodology A descriptive phenomenological study design was used to explore the lived experiences of mothers attending postnatal care. These mothers were identified and purposively selected to understand the individual, psychological, social, and cultural challenges they face. In-depth interviews were conducted with teenage mothers aged 13 to 19. The interviews were conducted in the local language, utilizing an interview guide and a tape recorder. Ethical approval was obtained for this study, and the mothers provided consent before participation. The interviews were then translated and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results The study revealed a complex interplay of stigma, emotional distress, disrupted education, strained family relationships, and limited access to financial support. Many participants reported feelings of guilt, shame, and anxiety, often compounded by a lack of support from partners, families, and communities. However, some also reported happy emotions and good family support, and some of these teenagers demonstrated resilience and determination to overcome these hardships for the well-being of their children. Conclusion The study found that becoming a mother at a young age is risky and challenging, involving physical issues like frequent illnesses, such as malaria, anemia, and excessive vomiting during pregnancy, as well as psychological challenges like stress, anxiety, fear, and suicidal thoughts. It also includes increased pressures of motherhood and social and cultural experiences, such as community judgment, lost dreams, and interrupted education. Efforts to support these young mothers during antenatal care with special adolescent ANC clinics and ongoing counseling, along with their partners, should be prioritized to improve outcomes not only during pregnancy but also in the postpartum period. Further research is needed on the lived experiences of teenage disabled girls during pregnancy, childbirth, and child-rearing.