Psychological Well-Being and Associated Factors Among Adolescent and Adult Mothers Between the Age of 10 to 49 Years In in Malongo Sub-county, Mayuge District

Abstract

Introduction: Motherhood is a transformational adventure that brings happiness, difficulties, and significant transformations to a woman's existence. The study assessed the psychological well-being and associated factors among adolescent and adult mothers in Malongo sub-county, Mayuge district. Methodology: The study Employed a descriptive cross-sectional survey based on a quantitative approach to collect data from 356 mothers using a researcher-administered, structured questionnaire. Frequency tables were generated for the variables at the univariate level, and a chi-square distribution was employed at the bivariate analysis. Further, an ordered logistic regression was used to establish the factors that predicted psychological well-being. The analysis was significant at a 95% level of confidence. Results: Results indicated that the majority of the respondents were adult mothers (79.77%), with adolescent mothers comprising the remaining respondents (20.23%). The largest proportion (43.54%) were aged 20–29, over half (51.97%) were Basoga, the majority (52.81%) had completed primary education. At the bivariate level, there was a statistically significant relationship between Tribe (p=0.026), education level (p=0.012), religiosity (number of times one went to the mosque or church in a week) (p=0.016), employment status (p=0.011), Category of mother (p=0.024), Employment status of the husband (p = 0.008), monthly income of the husband (p=0.004), supportiveness of the husband (p=0.026), education level of the mother (p=0.003), people’s concern/interest in what one does (p=0.025), ease of accessing practical help (p=0.001 and psychological well-being. Further, mothers who were divorced, separated, and windowed, those who didn’t participate in women groups displayed diminished PWB in contrast to their counterparts who are married, participated in women groups respectively. Conclusion: A 20% prevalence for adolescent mothers underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions aimed at reducing adolescent pregnancies. Moreover, the disparity in PWB among adolescent and adult mothers calls for targeted mental health support. Key factors such as marital status, employment, education, and social support significantly influenced psychological well-being, suggesting that policies aimed at improving women's access to education, economic empowerment, and family stability can enhance maternal mental health