Barriers to accessing maternal health care amongst pregnant adolescents in South Africa: a qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

This study explores the barriers to accessing antenatal care (ANC) services amongst pregnant adolescents within a particular community of South Africa.

Methods

An exploratory qualitative design was applied to examine the views of pregnant adolescents. In-depth interviews were conducted with pregnant adolescents at the Mitchells Plain Midwifery Obstetric Unit, as well as nursing staff working at the facility. Thematic analysis was then used and analysis was framed using the social-ecological model for health-seeking behaviour.

Results

This study found that barriers to adolescents seeking ANC often centered on a discourse of adolescent pregnancy being deviant, irresponsible, and shameful. Pregnant adolescents often absorbed these beliefs and were fearful of o

SUBMITTER: Erasmus MO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7275000 | biostudies-literature | 2020 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature