How can engagement of adolescents in antenatal care be enhanced? Learning from the perspectives of young mothers in Ghana and Tanzania.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Adolescents are especially vulnerable due to increased biological, social and economic risks associated with early pregnancy and childbirth, yet most pregnancy and childbirth-related complications are preventable through a combination of proven, cost-effective clinical interventions including timely antenatal care (ANC). The voices and specific needs of adolescents are currently underrepresented in the literature on antenatal and maternity care. Objectives were to a) increase our understanding of adolescents' experiences with, and perceptions of, ANC and b) explore how these perspectives might be applied towards future initiatives to enhance adolescent care-seeking behaviour.

Methods

This cross-sectional qualitative study employed 14 focus group discussions with 1

SUBMITTER: Hackett K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6533671 | biostudies-literature | 2019 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature