Experiences of pregnant unmarried adolescents in Maseru

[摘要] English: The transition to motherhood is accompanied by a number of social andpsychological consequences that place pregnant adolescents at risk in termsof later life adjustment. A qualitative study was undertaken to explore anddescribe the experiences of pregnant unmarried adolescents in Maserudistrict; and if necessary, to develop guidelines for an educational andcounseling program for them. Pregnant unmarried adolescents, aged 13 to 19years, from 10 randomly selected clinics in Maseru, were allowed to givedetailed descriptions of their experiences with their first pregnancy. Themeanings that those experiences had for them were also explored. Sixteenindividual phenomenological and two focus group interviews were conducted.Tesch's (1990) method of analysis was used to analyse the data.Results: The respondents reported to have met the confirmation of theirpregnancy with a mixture of disbelief, confusion and shame. They alsoexperienced fear to disclose the pregnancy to their next of kin. Emotionallythey reacted with misery, depression and anger. They experienced rejectionand scorn by their families and friends. Although most respondents'pregnancy was later accepted by parents, support granted was mainlymaterial with minimal social support. The majority of their boyfriends werereported to have denied parentage. A respondents who were still in schoolhad to drop out. Guidelines for an educational and counseling programs weremade. Recommendations included: every pregnant adolescent who comes tothe clinic or outpatient department should receive or be referred forcounseling. Prenatal education should provide anticipatory guidance related tomaternal role issues.

[发布机构] University of the Free State