Teenage Pregnancy

 Background: Pregnancy during teenage years is associated with adverse outcomes for both mother and baby. The aim of our study was to identify potential factors on early pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes.  Methods: Cross-sectional, comparative study was adopted it was conducted in main hospitals in Najaf during the period Nov. 1st, 2018 until March 20th, 2019. A total of 209 mothers were interviewed (99 cases under 19year old and 109 for19year old and more). Data were collect using a structured questionnaire containing maternal and neonatal data. Data were analyze by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22.  Results: The main results showed that all influencing factors are non-significant in more than 0.05 P.value just smoking which is significant in 0.0004 P.value.  Conclusion and Recommendations: Influencing factors were more likely related to. In other respects, there were no significant differences between teenage and non-teenage mothers.

En esta tesis se presenta el estudio de una política pública destinada a la primera infancia y la familia, el Plan CAIF, reconociendo en él un carácter emblemático por su nivel de cobertura, su origen y diseño, así como por la trayectoria a lo largo de sus casi 30 años. El estudio se centra en las concepciones y representaciones de los actores institucionales, político-técnicos, acerca de la infancia y la educación infantil, bajo el supuesto de que las mismas influyen en el diseño e implementación de la política. Se propone identificar, desde un diseño cualitativo, de alcance exploratorio, las concepciones de los actores, los cambios y continuidades, así como sus incidencias en el devenir de la política. Con esta investigación se pretende generar información empírica, sistematizada, que contribuya a la comprensión de la atención y educación en la primera infancia, en particular de una política específica a lo largo de su trayectoria. En este estudio se observó la existencia de la complejidad, que encierra contradicciones, cambios y continuidades, tanto a la interna de los distintos discursos, en una misma etapa del desarrollo del Plan, como a lo largo del tiempo. Cambios y continuidades en cuanto a representaciones que se relacionan con las continuidades y transformaciones del propio Plan. Las concepciones y representaciones se juegan en la práctica profesional y técnico-política. Se encontró que la infancia, el niño pequeño, no siempre fue o es visto como persona ni sujeto; que la atención y educación no siempre fue lo central en el diseño, en la política. Algunas trazas, rasgos originarios permanecieron y otros fueron superados.

BackgroundTeenage pregnancies disproportionately affect developing countries more than developed countries. This study aimed at exploring the social-cultural dynamics and experiences of teenage school-going mothers in a rural district of Eastern Province of Zambia to understand the lived experiences of teenage mothers in-depth.MethodsThis was a phenomenological study done in two schools in one of the provinces with the highest teenage pregnancy rates in Zambia. Data were analysed thematically in a deductive approach using a framework from a recent systematic review done in studies on teenage pregnancies from sub-Saharan Africa. A total of 26 school-going adolescent and young mothers were interviewed.ResultsThe majority came from poor households, rural areas, lacked knowledge and access to sexuality education and contraceptive services before falling pregnant. Cultural beliefs and traditional practices fuel misconceptions on contraceptive and condom use, and create a narrative/expect...

Young adult pregnancy remains a significant public health concern, impacting the lives of young individuals and their communities. It is influenced by a complex interplay of socioeconomic, educational and psychological factors that necessitate comprehensive research and intervention strategies. The main aim of this study was to investigate the factors contributing to young adult pregnancy in selected villages in Mthatha. To achieve the aim and objectives of the study, the study relied on qualitative methods to collect data from young female adults who resided in selected villages in Mthatha and had experienced pregnancy. The snowball sampling technique was appropriately used. The data was collected using a structured interview guide and analysed using the thematic analysis technique.
The findings reveal that poverty is a significant driver of young adult pregnancy, as economic hardship leads young adults to engage in transactional sex for financial support and basic necessities. A critical issue identified is the substantial lack of knowledge about sexual and reproductive health, largely due to inadequate sex education. This gap leaves young adults uninformed about contraception and the consequences of unprotected sex. The implications of these findings are profound. Economic difficulties are prevalent among participants, with unemployment and financial strain hindering their ability to meet basic needs. Motherhood significantly impacts educational attainment, with many participants deferring or abandoning their studies due to the responsibilities of childcare. The lack of emotional support leads to feelings of depression, isolation and guilt, particularly among single mothers. The study recommends comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education in schools and community organisations, emphasising contraception and the consequences of unprotected sex. Additionally, it advocates for further research at provincial or national levels to better understand and address the factors contributing to young adult pregnancy.

Childbearing is an essential event in woman's life when she neglects her education and career for motherhood. The main cause of population growth in Nigeria is teenage childbearing as reported by many researchers with no significant intervention to reduce this menace. This work is designed to compare the results of Cox, Gompertz and Weibull models with a view to determine the model that best fits the data. To evaluate the effect of some risk factors on the hazard of teenage childbirth among Nigerian women, data obtained from National Demographic Health Survey 2013 was analysed. Results of the analysis showed that having a child at teen age depends on geopolitical zone, location, educational level, circumcision, household wealth index, religion belief, use of contraceptive, whether had a terminated pregnancy, forced sexual acts, awareness of HIV/AIDS, STI and the age of first sexual acts. Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) was employed to evaluate performances of the three models. Weibull regression model has the minimum AIC value compared to both Gompertz and Cox regression models. This shows that Weibull regression model provides best fit to the data.

This study examines the policies governing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education in the Philippines, aiming to deepen understanding of their current status and impact on public health, particularly for children and youth. Through a detailed review of policies, press releases, and thematic analysis, the research identifies key factors influencing the development and implementation of SRH initiatives. It highlights the structural and social determinants that shape policy decisions and explores the broader context driving these actions. The study argues that the trends, or lack thereof, in SRH initiatives, are shaped by a complex interplay of compliance-driven motives and missed opportunities for optimizing policy potential. These dynamics often result in fragmented implementation, limiting the effectiveness of otherwise well-intended public policies. Findings from this research offer valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and advocates, emphasizing the need for more strategic and holistic approaches to SRH education. By addressing gaps in policy execution and fostering better communication strategies, this study aims to contribute to the development of more impactful public health education initiatives in the Philippines.

The objective of this research was to compare the social representations of adolescents in different school contexts (public and private) about the construction of their project of life. It involved 40 adolescents, male and female, aged 16 to 19 years. A semi-structured questionnaire for socio-demographic characterization and a semi-structured interview were used as instruments. The data were submitted to content analysis, with the support of the programme ALCESTE, automatic system of textual data analysis. The data obtained showed consensual representations about the project of life, as desires, marks, previsions and strategies. Nevertheless, the students of the public schools centered their representations in the necessity of social inclusion and improvement of life, while the pupils of private school objectified their representations on the difficulty related to the choice of the profession. It follows that there is the necessity of public politicies that allow similar conditions for the construction of projects of life in these different school contexts.

Teenage pregnancy is estimated to be common in Somaliland. It is linked with adverse perinatal outcomes. However, no study has been conducted in the country on this subject. Therefore, this study intended to assess the magnitude and factors associated with teenage pregnancy in Somaliland. Patients and Methods: Data from the 2020 Somaliland Health and Demographic Survey (SLHDS); were used in the current analysis. A total sample of 3,786 women in reproductive age groups were involved as participants. The survey used a two-level cluster sampling design, which included initial selection of enumeration areas followed by selection of households. To identify associated factors, binary logistic regression analysis was applied.

The main objective of higher institutions of learning in Kenya is to provide education and growth experiences for its students but alcohol abuse has continued to be a problem in the university campuses that is slowing down their progress and the Kenya vision 2030 that envisages a healthy population free from the impact of alcohol abuse through the reduction of the prevalence and the impact of alcohol abuse disorders in order to attain the highest possible level of physical, social and mental health. Despite the growing problems of global alcohol abuse, accurate information on the prevalence of alcohol abuse among university students in Kenya is still inadequate. The study therefore aimed to determine the socio-demographic factors associated to alcohol abuse among the Egerton University students. This was a cross sectional study among 355 students of Egerton university Njoro campus. Stratified random sampling was utilized to select the study sample and a questionnaire was used to col...

O estudo teve por objetivo investigar as características associadas à gravidez adolescente em uma amostra de adolescentes brasileiros de ambos os sexos. Estudo transversal (N = 226) com 64,2% dos participantes do sexo feminino. A média de idade dos participantes foi 18,86 anos (DP = 1,35). Os participantes responderam a um questionário que investigava aspetos como: (1) vida sexual; (2) sentimentos com relação à gravidez; (3) relações com escola; (4) trabalho; e (5) família. Não foram encontradas diferenças de sexo para idade de início da vida sexual nem para o número de gravidezes relatadas. Constatou-se, no entanto, que a gravidez gerou mais sentimentos de vergonha nas meninas (p < 0,01) e indicação de necessidade de buscar trabalho para os meninos (p < 0,001). Os meninos revelaram maior número de repetições de ano e de expulsões da escola em relação às meninas (p < 0,05). Esses resultados sugerem que gravidez adolescente toma diferentes significados para os adolescentes, ...

This paper evaluates the impact of Mexico's shift from the multidimensional conditional cash transfer (CCT) program, Progresa, to the unconditional scholarship, Becas Benito Juárez (BBJ), on birth rates among girls under 15 and teenagers aged 15-19. Using administrative birth records and variation in prior Progresa coverage across municipalities, we estimate the effects of the policy change with Difference-inDifferences and Event Study designs. Results show that teenage childbirths increased by 10% in municipalities with high Progresa penetration one year after BBJ's introduction, an effect driven by first-time mothers. The increase is observed in both poorer and nonpoor municipalities. For girls under 15, birth rates also rose in non-poor municipalities, with a marked increase following the COVID-19 confinements.

Trata-se de estudo sobre os aspectos psicossexuais que envolvem as dificuldades da Educação Sexual entre pais e filhos adolescentes. Com base nos pressupostos básicos psicanalíticos freudianos, e uso dos métodos clínico, indiciário e interpretativo, constituiu-se uma pesquisa qualitativa. Observações e entrevistas foram feitas com pail de adolescentes entre 13 e 18 anos de idade. Dados de campo e teóricos, revelaram que estrutura neurótica familiar além de mecanismos neuróticos da personalidade dos pais são os determinantes principais. Aspectos sócio culturais, também dificultam a Educação Sexual de filhos e filhas. Ponderou-se acerca dos mecanismos psicosociológicos eficazes que interditem a pulsão sexual nas famílias, e postulou-se a fantasia incestuosa inconsciente como núcleo mantenedor da trama familiar.

Trata-se de estudo sobre os aspectos psicossexuais que envolvem as dificuldades da Educação Sexual entre pais e filhos adolescentes. Com base nos pressupostos básicos psicanalíticos freudianos, e uso dos métodos clínico, indiciário e interpretativo, constituiu-se uma pesquisa qualitativa. Observações e entrevistas foram feitas com pail de adolescentes entre 13 e 18 anos de idade. Dados de campo e teóricos, revelaram que estrutura neurótica familiar além de mecanismos neuróticos da personalidade dos pais são os determinantes principais. Aspectos sócio culturais, também dificultam a Educação Sexual de filhos e filhas. Ponderou-se acerca dos mecanismos psicosociológicos eficazes que interditem a pulsão sexual nas famílias, e postulou-se a fantasia incestuosa inconsciente como núcleo mantenedor da trama familiar. Sexualidade, psiquismo e a educação sexual entre pais e filhos adolescentes3

This study examined the impact of parental influence on the resilience of teenagers in secondary school in Nigeria against premarital sex and porn engagement. A total of 400 participants, randomly selected from senior secondary schools, were used for the study. Parental involvement rating scale, problematic pornography consumption scale, and premarital sexual permissiveness scale (PSPS) were used for data collection. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's product-moment correlation, T-test, and analysis of variance were used to analyse the data. Findings of this study indicated that parental involvement significantly influenced premarital sex engagement (r =-0.698; p < 0.05), indicating that parental involvement is inversely related to premarital sex engagement among teenagers in secondary school. Also, the result of this study indicated that pornography engagement is significantly correlated with premarital sex engagement (r = 0.650; p < p<0.05). However, findings from this study revealed that gender is a factor affecting premarital sex, as the male mean seems higher considering their minimum total number (t = 11.007, p < 0.05). Nevertheless, the last hypothesis of this study tests the differences in premarital sex engagement among teenagers in secondary school based on age. The results from the ANOVA with F-ratio (F (2,399) = 4.156, P < 0.05) show that there is a significant difference in the level of premarital sex engagement of secondary school students based on age. It is therefore recommended that the government, through the Ministry of Education, should, as a matter of urgency, integrate sex education in both primary and secondary school curricula. Stakeholders should sensitise students about the adverse effects of premarital sexual practices while reducing access to sexual content. Parents should engage their wards productively to ensure resilience against sexual immorality.

Use this link to access: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1lmU%7E2SvwdBUF

Objectives: It is important to identify programs that can work in multiple contexts to support adolescent parents in achieving their reproductive health goals. A randomized controlled trial in Ohio in 2012 found that the Teen Options to Prevent Pregnancy program increased contraceptive use and reduced repeat pregnancy, including unintended pregnancy, among adolescent parents. To facilitate access to contraceptives and support adolescents who wish to avoid repeat pregnancy, this 18-month program offers monthly motivational interviewing sessions with health care workers and assistance from social workers. This randomized controlled trial examined whether program impacts on increased contraceptive use and reduced repeat pregnancies could be replicated in New York City (NYC).

Study design: From 2020 to 2022, 702 pregnant and parenting adolescents ages 10 to 20 years were enrolled from seven NYC hospitals. Participants were randomized to either NYC-Teen Options to Prevent Pregnancy or a usual-care control condition, which included potential access to contraceptives through either Title X or federally qualified health centers. Five hundred and fifteen participants completed follow-up surveys approximately 18 months after enrollment. Differences in outcomes were assessed using ordinary least squares regression.

Results: The study did not detect impacts on receipt of reproductive health information, contraceptive knowledge, contraceptive use, repeat pregnancy (the preregistered primary outcome), repeat unintended pregnancy, or other sexual risk behaviors. Participants in the treatment group agreed more strongly that they had received information to find community resources to support their family. The null results may be due to implementation challenges, including low treatment dosage, staff turnover, and limitations on inperson meetings and access to contraceptives related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusions: More research is needed to replicate evidence-based programs to support adolescent parents' reproductive planning.
Implications: An effort to replicate Teen Options to Prevent Pregnancy in NYC did not detect impacts on contraceptive use or repeat pregnancy outcomes. Future replications of this and other programs are needed to identify whether multicomponent programs can work in multiple contexts and at scale to support adolescent parents in achieving their reproductive health goals, such as avoiding repeat pregnancy.

Use this link to access: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1lmU%7E2SvwdBUF

Objectives: It is important to identify programs that can work in multiple contexts to support adolescent parents in achieving their reproductive health goals. A randomized controlled trial in Ohio in 2012 found that the Teen Options to Prevent Pregnancy program increased contraceptive use and reduced repeat pregnancy, including unintended pregnancy, among adolescent parents. To facilitate access to contraceptives and support adolescents who wish to avoid repeat pregnancy, this 18-month program offers monthly motivational interviewing sessions with health care workers and assistance from social workers. This randomized controlled trial examined whether program impacts on increased contraceptive use and reduced repeat pregnancies could be replicated in New York City (NYC).

Study design: From 2020 to 2022, 702 pregnant and parenting adolescents ages 10 to 20 years were enrolled from seven NYC hospitals. Participants were randomized to either NYC-Teen Options to Prevent Pregnancy or a usual-care control condition, which included potential access to contraceptives through either Title X or federally qualified health centers. Five hundred and fifteen participants completed follow-up surveys approximately 18 months after enrollment. Differences in outcomes were assessed using ordinary least squares regression.

Results: The study did not detect impacts on receipt of reproductive health information, contraceptive knowledge, contraceptive use, repeat pregnancy (the preregistered primary outcome), repeat unintended pregnancy, or other sexual risk behaviors. Participants in the treatment group agreed more strongly that they had received information to find community resources to support their family. The null results may be due to implementation challenges, including low treatment dosage, staff turnover, and limitations on inperson meetings and access to contraceptives related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusions: More research is needed to replicate evidence-based programs to support adolescent parents' reproductive planning.
Implications: An effort to replicate Teen Options to Prevent Pregnancy in NYC did not detect impacts on contraceptive use or repeat pregnancy outcomes. Future replications of this and other programs are needed to identify whether multicomponent programs can work in multiple contexts and at scale to support adolescent parents in achieving their reproductive health goals, such as avoiding repeat pregnancy.

en el marco del sistema de protección contra la violencia familiar y de género creado por la Ley 12.569 en el 2001, se analiza las concepciones, prácticas y saberes de los agentes, que en el marco la corresponsabilidad intervienen en configuración local del sistema integrado de prevención y atención de las personas en situación de violencia familiar, para fortalecer los espacios de articulación institucional como modo de garantizar el acceso a la justicia y la protección integral a las personas en situación de violencia de familiar y de género.

Objetivo: Analisar a saúde mental das mães adolescentes brasileiras usuárias do Sistema Único de Saúde. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo multicêntrico realizado com 583 mães adolescentes (10-19 anos). As participantes responderam ao questionário sobre variáveis sociodemográficas, saúde mental e apoio familiar. Os resultados foram apresentados como frequências absolutas e relativas. A associação entre desfecho e variáveis foram investigadas por meio de regressão de Poisson. Resultados: Houve algum nível de depressão em 61,9% das adolescentes e de ansiedade em 63,8%. Esses sintomas associaram-se à falta de apoio familiar (p-valor<0,001), à perda de amigos da escola (p-valor<0,001), ao diagnóstico de depressão pós-parto (p-valor<0,001) e ao diagnóstico de depressão ou ansiedade antes ou durante a gestação (p-valor<0,001). As adolescentes diagnosticadas com problemas de saúde mental que estavam em acompanhamento totalizaram 15,9%. As principais barreiras identificadas foram dificuldades de acesso ao suporte psicólogo, desinteresse e falta de estímulo. Conclusão: O estudo revelou preocupantes taxas de depressão e ansiedade entre as adolescentes. Enfatizou-se a importância do apoio familiar, cuja ausência está ligada ao aumento dos sintomas de sofrimento mental. Destacou-se o impacto negativo da perda de vínculos sociais e do histórico de problemas de saúde mental, como a depressão pós-parto. As adolescentes que estavam em acompanhamento psicológico totalizaram 15,9%, o que evidenciou barreiras de acesso à saúde mental. Os resultados sublinharam a urgência de intervenções e políticas públicas para melhorar o acesso ao suporte psicológico e promover a saúde mental dessa população.

Background and objectives. Adolescent pregnancy remains a global public health concern with significant clinical and socioeconomic implications. Romania reports one of the highest adolescent birth rates in the European Union, with marked regional disparities. This study aimed to assess the socio-demographic profile, obstetric outcomes, and immediate neonatal status of adolescent mothers delivering at Vaslui County Emergency Hospital in 2023, and to contextualize these findings through a narrative literature review on socio-medical determinants of adolescent pregnancy. Materials and methods. A retrospective observational study was conducted for all deliveries from January to December 2023 in mothers aged 14-17 years. Variables included maternal age, education, residence, parity, gestational age, birth weight, Apgar scores, and postnatal discharge destination. Descriptive and comparative statistics were applied (p < 0.05). A narrative literature review (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, 2007-2024) identified 28 peer-reviewed studies on sociomedical determinants of adolescent pregnancy. Results. Among 1,073 deliveries, 65 (6.0%) involved adolescent mothers, predominantly from rural areas (80.0%) and with low educational attainment (63.0%). Preterm birth occurred in 14.0% of cases, strongly associated with low education (p < 0.001). Older adolescents were more likely to have had prior pregnancies (p = 0.0068). Most deliveries were at term (86.0%) with favorable neonatal outcomes: 88.0% birth weight >2,700 g; all Apgar ≥9 at 5 minutes. The literature review confirmed education, rural residence, and socioeconomic disadvantage as the main determinants. Conclusions. Adolescent pregnancy in Vaslui County predominantly affects socioeconomically disadvantaged rural populations. Targeted interventions in education, reproductive health access, and social support are essential to reduce incidence and adverse outcomes.

The Family Nurse Partnership (FNP) is a licensed US programme which offers intensive, structured home visiting support to teenage first-time mothers delivered by a specially trained nurse from early pregnancy until the child’s second birthday. The programme was introduced in Scotland in 2010 and is gradually being rolled out. This paper presents an evaluability assessment (EA) of the FNP in Scotland conducted on behalf of the Scottish Government by a collaboration of evaluation specialists from NHS Health Scotland, two academic public health research units (SPHSU and SCPHRP) and the Scottish Government public health analytical team.

IntroductIon Teenage pregnancy is defined as pregnancy in a girl aged 13-19 years and has long been established as a high-risk reproductive venture associated with various adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. [1] This is because the teenage years correspond to the period of transition from childhood to adulthood in which there is concurrent sexual, physical, psychological and emotional development. Therefore, conception at this period may result in a situation of a 'child harbouring a child', and this can have profound effects on the teenager and the outcome of the conception. It has been estimated that teenagers constitute 20% of the world population with 85% of these living in developing countries and about 16% in Africa. [2] Worldwide, it has been estimated that about 15 million teenagers give birth annually accounting for 10% of all births. [3,4] The Sub-Saharan Africa region records the highest rate of teenage pregnancy in the world with 55% of women <20 years old already giving birth, translating to 143 births per 1000 teenagers as against 6 and 34 per 1000 teenagers in Sweden and the United States of America, respectively. [5-7] The incidence of teenage pregnancy in Nigeria varies depending on the geographical location. It has been estimated that 1 in 3 teenage girls in northern Nigeria get pregnant, as Context: Teenage pregnancy has been established as high risk associated with adverse outcomes. However, some authors have posited that these can be significantly reduced with provision of antenatal care (ANC) and supervised deliveries by skilled personnel. Aims: To determine the incidence of teenage pregnancy at the Saje annex of Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital and describe the sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics of the mothers, as well as the maternal and newborn outcomes. Settings and Design: This was a 10-year retrospective review of pregnancies and deliveries of teenage mothers between January 2010 and December 2019. Subjects and Methods: The data were collected with an electronic Google Form. Study outcomes were mode of delivery, booking status and post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) for the mothers; birth weight, estimated gestational age (EGA) at delivery and foetal status at birth for the babies. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistics was used to analyse the data. Results: Of 1858 deliveries during the study period, 49 (2.63%) were teenagers (26.3 per 1000 births). Majority (71.4%) of them were married, educated up to secondary level (91.8%) and 46.9% were employed. Their mean height was 160.3 ± 6.0 cm and none was short stature. As many as 91.8% were booked for ANC and 45 (91.8%) had vaginal deliveries with no PPH recorded. The mean birth weight of the babies was 2.77 ± 0.54 kg with 9 (18.4%) having low birth weight. Eleven (22%) of the babies were preterm with only one (2.0%) stillbirth recorded. Conclusions: The teenagers in this study achieved relatively impressive pregnancy outcomes. Identified contributory factors were optimal height, secondary education, access to ANC and availability of skilled obstetric care.

The evolution of COVID 19 and its effects to education is highly uncertain, making it hard for policy makers to formulate appropriate policy response world over. This article attempts to discuss the effect of Covid-19 on basic education. It is a theoretical desk-top review of literature. In order to understand the effects, the origin, symptoms, spread and the measures taken to prevent Covid-19 have been introduced. The findings show the effects felt so far to include; closure of school, educational Inequalities due to the digital divide, high cost/lack of computer and internet to parents, anxiety and emotional distress, heightened cases of domestic violence, potential increase in school drops out, child marriage and teenage pregnancies, exposure of vulnerable children to sexual abusers and corona virus, inadequate food provision at home, gender based violence, effects to children with disabilities, economic effects and teachers and other staff salaries/ lay-offs. Positive effects of...

Resumo: O presente trabalho teve o objetivo de conhecer o comportamento afetivo sexual e conhecimentos de métodos contraceptivos e das doenças sexualmente transmissíveis (DST) entre os discentes do IF Sudeste MG -Campus Juiz de Fora. A pesquisa teve abordagem quantitativa e caráter descritivo, realizada em junho de 2014, com todos os alunos dos cursos técnicos integrados ao ensino médio. Foi aplicado um questionário semiestruturado, composto por questões que versavam sobre conhecimentos e práticas relacionadas ao exercício da sexualidade. O universo amostral foi representado por 436 estudantes, 58,9% do sexo masculino e 41,1% do sexo feminino, média de 16 anos de idade, a idade média e mediana da primeira relação sexual foi 15 anos. Grande maioria dos discentes sexualmente ativos afirmou utilizar métodos seguros. Em relação à prática de sexo não seguro e da não proteção contra a gravidez indesejada os principais motivos, em ambos os casos, foram: não gostar, confiança no parceiro e esquecimento. Os discentes afirmaram, entre os métodos contraceptivos, o não conhecimento de outros métodos além da camisinha e da pílula anticoncepcional e, em relação às DSTs, a grande maioria conhece outras DSTs que não a AIDS. Os resultados do presente trabalho apontam o desconhecimento dos discentes dos métodos contraceptivos e de

O presente trabalho teve o objetivo de conhecer o comportamento afetivo sexual e conhecimentos de metodos contraceptivos e das doencas sexualmente transmissiveis (DST) entre os discentes do IF Sudeste MG – Campus Juiz de Fora. A pesquisa teve abordagem quantitativa e carater descritivo, realizada em junho de 2014, com todos os alunos dos cursos tecnicos integrados ao ensino medio. Foi aplicado um questionario semiestruturado, composto por questoes que versavam sobre conhecimentos e praticas relacionadas ao exercicio da sexualidade. O universo amostral foi representado por 436 estudantes, 58,9% do sexo masculino e 41,1% do sexo feminino, media de 16 anos de idade, a idade media e mediana da primeira relacao sexual foi 15 anos. Grande maioria dos discentes sexualmente ativos afirmou utilizar metodos seguros. Em relacao a pratica de sexo nao seguro e da nao protecao contra a gravidez indesejada os principais motivos, em ambos os casos, foram: nao gostar, confianca no parceiro e esqueci...

Teenage pregnancy remains a pervasive challenge to educational continuity, particularly in developing regions where socio-cultural norms, economic hardship, and institutional barriers often conspire to exclude adolescent mothers from formal schooling. The consequences of early motherhood extend beyond immediate educational disruption, frequently resulting in long-term socioeconomic marginalization, reduced employment opportunities, and intergenerational cycles of poverty. Despite global and national commitments to inclusive education, the re-entry of juvenile mothers into the school system remains inadequately addressed in policy and practice. This study investigates the initiatives undertaken by selected schools to facilitate the re-entry of juvenile mothers into formal education. It explores the extent to which schools have adopted supportive policies, implemented targeted programs, and created enabling environments for adolescent mothers to resume their studies. Using a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through interviews with school administrators, teachers, and juvenile mothers, as well as a review of institutional documents and local education policies. The findings reveal a spectrum of school-based responses, ranging from informal accommodations to structured interventions. While some schools demonstrate proactive efforts-such as flexible timetables, counseling services, and partnerships with community organizations-others lack clear S. Zulu. Supporting the Re-entry of Juvenile Mothers into the Education System: An Assessment of School-Based Initiatives

This study explores the complex interplay of social, economic, and institutional factors that influence juvenile mothers' re-entry into secondary education in Southern Province, Zambia. Adolescent pregnancy remains a significant contributor to school dropout rates, and despite national re-entry policies, many juvenile mothers face persistent challenges in resuming their studies. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research draws on in-depth qualitative interviews with juvenile mothers, educators, and parents, alongside quantitative survey data collected from three districts. The findings reveal that social stigma-manifested through peer judgment, community gossip, and educator bias-continues to discourage young mothers from returning to school. Economically, the burden of childcare, lack of financial support, and pressure to earn income create substantial barriers to re-enrollment. Institutionally, while some schools demonstrate flexibility and support, others enforce rigid policies or lack the resources to accommodate the unique needs of adolescent mothers. However, the study also identifies enabling factors, including strong family support networks, community-based advocacy programs, and schools that actively implement inclusive policies. These positive influences significantly increase the likelihood of educational re-entry and retention. The study concludes by recommending a multi-sectoral approach that includes policy enforcement, psychosocial support, financial S. Zulu.

Background: Teenage pregnancy continues to be a concern. Complications during pregnancy and childbirth are the leading causes of death among pregnant teenagers. The use of contraception and support to prevent teenage pregnancies is of utmost importance to help address this concern. Objectives: The study aimed to explore and describe perceptions of teenagers regarding the use of contraception (1) and what support is required in assisting teenagers to prevent teenage pregnancies (2) in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Methods: A qualitative research strategy employing exploratory and descriptive approaches was used in this study. Purposive sampling of teenagers in a public secondary school with the highest pregnancy rate in a district of the Limpopo Province was used. Data were collected from 23 participants using naïve sketch booklets with 12 questions. Data were analysed using content analysis with the assistance of a co-coder. Results: Three categories emerged from the data, namely ...

Teenage years are often considered a formative period that shapes an individual's personality, values, and decision-making abilities. While freedom is seen as a vital component of personal growth, excessive liberty or restrictive parenting can negatively impact adolescents' mental and emotional well-being. This study investigates the degree of freedom teenagers should have, with particular focus on the role of parent-child relationships. Data was collected through online questionnaires distributed to both parents and teenagers. Results indicate a significant communication gap between parents and adolescents, leading teenagers to rely more on peers for emotional support. Findings suggest that balanced freedom-supported by trust, boundaries, and open communication-contributes positively to self-esteem and responsible behavior in teenagers.

Adolescence is a critical period in human development, marked by identity formation, emotional sensitivity and heightened self-awareness. During this phase, parenting styles and the family environment play pivotal roles in shaping adolescents' self-esteem, a key psychological construct that influences their academic, social and emotional well-being. This study investigates the effects of family environment and inconsistent parenting styles on adolescents' self-esteem among model school students of Federal Tertiary Institutions in Ogun State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design of correlational type was adopted, and with a multistage sampling technique, data was collected from 137 senior school students from the model schools of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Federal College of Education, Osiele and Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro using structured questionnaires. The instruments utilized including the Perceived Parenting Style Scale, the Brief Family Relationship Scale, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Findings revealed that the perception of respondents toward parenting styles adopted by their parents is predominantly authoritative, they experience a cohesive and communicative family environment with the maintenance of high levels of self-esteem, with relatively infrequent negative self-perceptions. A significant relationship was found between self-esteem and parenting style; r(135)= 0.54, p < .05 as well as family environment; r(135) = .598, p < .05. Lastly, parenting style and family environment are potent predictors of adolescents' self-esteem and increases it by 43% and 27.2% respectively. Among others, this study recommended counselling services should be integrated into communities to support families experiencing conflict or instability and that Schools should implement programs that promote students' self-esteem, including mentorship initiatives, peer support groups, and access to professional counsellors.

Introduction: Effective communication skills that foster responsible sexual decisions are known to have the potential to reduce the risky adolescent sexual behavior. It is well understood that maternal communication is a key element in modifying the adolescent sexual behavior. The objective of this qualitative study was to explore if Puerto Rican mothers of adolescent girls have conversations about sexuality with their daughters and the content of such conversations. Methods: A total 22 HIV-seropositive mothers and 22 HIV-seronegative mothers were enrolled. Six focus groups were conducted, sessions were transcribed ad-verbum and coded for specific topics. All qualitative analysis was incorporated into Atlas.ti. Participants in both groups had a similar average age (mean=41 years old); but, the HIV-seropositive mothers were more likely single, less educated and unemployed. Regarding having engaged in conversations about sexuality and the topics covered, however, there were no differences revealed among HIV-seropositive mothers and seronegative mothers. In both groups, mothers understood the importance of these conversations, but most said they were difficult and uncomfortable. These findings reinforce the importance of communication between mothers and daughters for the prevention of STIs, HIV/AIDS, and teenage pregnancy in minority populations. Interventions are needed for mother and daughter to improve communication skills, communication about sexuality, and addressing prevention.

Aim: To determine the maternal and perinatal outcome in teenage pregnancies.  Methods: A hospital based descriptive cross sectional study conducted from April 2017 to April 2018, among the pregnant women of age group≤19 years, admitted to the labour ward  atRapti Sub regional Hospital, Dang. Results: The total of 853 pregnant adolescent women were admitted during the study period, most of which belonged to 19 years of age (38.6%) and were primipara (93.3%) and 42.1% belonged to janjati group. 79.6% had normal delivery, while 14.1% of the cases underwent caesarean section, 5.9% had instrumental delivery and in 0.5% had perineal injury. Anaemia complicated 63% of teenage mothers, more in age group of ≤ 18yrs than in &gt; 18years (61.4%vs 38.6%) and 4.6% had maternal complications, the majority being PPH (2.9%) followed by oligohydraminos, eclampsia, wound infection and vulvar haematoma. Preterm delivery occurred in 15.5% of the cases (≤ 18yrs vs&gt;18yrs being 9.8% vs 5.7%), other neo...

This paper dissects the barriers to accessing safe and legal abortion in Malaysia and the inadequacy of psychological support for teenage mothers in shelter homes. Although termination of pregnancy (TOP) is legally permitted under Malaysian law to preserve a woman’s life, physical health, or mental health, it remains inaccessible in practice due to restrictive policies, the influence of religious rulings, and widespread stigma. Rape and incest are not recognized as legal grounds for abortion, leaving many adolescent victims vulnerable to physical, psychological, and social harm. Furthermore, limited awareness among healthcare providers and conservative attitudes result in conscientious objections, which divert women toward unsafe and unregulated abortion services. Teenage mothers face compounded challenges, including school dropouts, social exclusion, and psychological distress, with shelter homes often failing to deliver meaningful rehabilitation due to punitive rules, minimal counselling, and stigmatization. This paper proposes policy reform to broaden legal indications for abortion, standardized training for healthcare providers, public education on reproductive rights, and restructuring of shelter homes or alternative community-based support systems. Addressing these gaps is essential to safeguard reproductive rights, reduce unsafe abortions, and improve psychosocial outcomes for young mothers in Malaysia.

Keywords: abortion policy, reproductive rights, unsafe abortion, teenage pregnancy, maternal health, barriers to safe abortion, psychosocial support, shelter homes

JEL Classifications: I14 (Health and Inequality), I18 (Health Policy), J13 (Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Youth), K38 (Human Rights Law), Z12 (Religion and Society)

2007 Adriana Garrido Garduño / Adriana Guadalupe Reyes Luna / Patricia Ortega Silva / Laura Evelia Torres Velázquez LA VIDA EN PAREJA: UN ASUNTO A NEGOCIAR Enseñanza e Investigación en Psicología, julio-diciembre, año/vol. 12, número 002 Universidad Veracruzana ...

URI: http://hdl.handle.net/11056/22513
La siguiente sistematización es una memoria de un proceso de investigación, exploración y creación artística interdisciplinar, generado en el seno del Centro de Investigación, Docencia y Extensión Artística -CIDEA-, durante el año 2019, denominado CICATRIZ, bajo la coordinación artística de la Maestra Nandayure Harley Bolaños. Liderada por la Escuela de Danza, en el marco de los fondos de investigación y creación artística interdisciplinaria del Proyecto Iniciativas Interdisciplinarias, con la participación de personas de todas las Unidades Académicas del CIDEA.

Youth mental health in Jamaica has become an urgent public health concern, influenced by socioeconomic disparities, community violence, and limited mental health service accessibility. This quantitative study analysed secondary data from 2005 to 2023, sourced from national agencies and international organisations, including the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Statistical Institute of Jamaica, and UNICEF. The study examined mental health indicators such as suicide rates, depression prevalence, school dropout due to psychological distress, and access to mental health services, alongside socioeconomic variables like youth unemployment and exposure to community violence. Results revealed that suicide rates nearly doubled from 2.1 to 4.8 per 100,000 youth, while depression prevalence increased from 11.4% to 25.6%. Female adolescents reported significantly higher rates of depression and suicide attempts, whereas male youth exhibited higher suicide completion rates. Statistical analyses indicated strong positive correlations between youth unemployment and depression (r = 0.78, p < .01), as well as community violence and poor mental health outcomes. Multiple regression analysis confirmed unemployment and violence exposure as significant predictors of youth depression. Despite policy efforts, access to mental health services remained inadequate, particularly in rural areas where fewer than half of the youth had access to school-based counselling. These findings underscore the critical need for multisectoral interventions that address structural determinants such as unemployment and violence, expand mental health infrastructure, and implement gender-sensitive programming. This study fills a significant gap in Jamaican youth mental health research, offering evidence-based recommendations for policymakers to improve mental health outcomes through targeted, data-informed strategies.

This paper focuses on the socio-cultural impediments to the effective education of women in our society. The "African women" noted that, there are some impediments that stall women socioeconomic development. It is common knowledge that education is an important tool in enhancing the development of any nation worldwide. There is also this saying that, if you educate a woman, you educate the nation at large but this is not the same for our women in Nigeria as there are impediments to socio-cultural to their education. For instance, lack of entrepreneurship skills, nonavailability of capital, scarcity of functional programmes that can lead to acquisition of knowledge, awareness, emancipation and empowerment of women. Late Mary Babangida in 1987 blamed it on the backwardness of the women. In a newspaper statement headlined "past government neglected women's needs, she claimed that the past governments of Nigeria did not make much effort in trying to alleviate the plight and position of the rural women. Socio-cultural impediments are those factors or things that are barriers to women education in our society especially in the rural areas. The researcher concluded and made some recommendations amongst which are; special scholarship scheme should be provided for women to enable more of them go to school. Schools in rural areas should be well equipped to attract qualified teachers and to give quality education to the rural dwellers.

Background: COVID-19 pandemic put unprecedented burden on healthcare systems, globally. Women and children were most affected. It was thus necessary to examine its effects on Maternal and Child Health (MCH) services in Meru County Kenya, to design mitigation strategies against drawbacks to safeguard previously made gains. Methods: Ethical clearance was obtained from Meru University Institutional Research Ethics and Review Committee (MIRERC). MCH Data for one year before and one year after the pandemic were analyzed using SPSS computer package and compared. Statistical tests were carried out using 2t test and descriptive and inferential statistics employed for summaries. Results: No significant change occurred in the proportion of Fully Immunized Child (FIC) at p<.05 as t (24) = 1.72, p=.098. Nevertheless, the proportion of women with 4th antenatal care visit and adolescents 10-14 years pregnant at the first ANC visit, had lower and higher mean scores before and after the pandemic with significant changes at p=.05 of (p=0.011) and (p=0.003) respectively. Conclusions: The pandemic did not affect MCH service indicators during the first year of the sickness in Meru County. However, the proportion of teenage pregnancies increased significantly, as the proportion of women with 4th antenatal care visit decreased.

This study investigated the lived experiences, challenges, and coping mechanisms of young adults living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the Philippines. Employing a qualitative research design, data were gathered through virtual semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi's method. The findings reveal how CKD profoundly affects participants' lives, including their physical health, emotional stability, social relationships, financial well-being, and life goals. Despite facing disrupted ambitions, social stigma, and emotional exhaustion, many participants found strength in faith, family support, and personal resilience. Their narratives reflect both the burden and the bravery of navigating a chronic illness during a pivotal life stage. The study emphasizes the need for more responsive and holistic healthcare systems that go beyond clinical treatment to address the emotional and psychosocial dimensions of young adults with CKD. It also advocates for inclusive policies and community-based support that honor their unique struggles and strengths.

This study investigated the lived experiences, challenges, and coping mechanisms of young adults living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the Philippines. Employing a qualitative research design, data were gathered through virtual semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi's method. The findings reveal how CKD profoundly affects participants' lives, including their physical health, emotional stability, social relationships, financial well-being, and life goals. Despite facing disrupted ambitions, social stigma, and emotional exhaustion, many participants found strength in faith, family support, and personal resilience. Their narratives reflect both the burden and the bravery of navigating a chronic illness during a pivotal life stage. The study emphasizes the need for more responsive and holistic healthcare systems that go beyond clinical treatment to address the emotional and psychosocial dimensions of young adults with CKD. It also advocates for inclusive policies and community-based support that honor their unique struggles and strengths.

Background: Teenage pregnancy is a pregnancy in a woman of age group 10-19 years which is a worldwide public health problem in both developed and developing countries. Pregnancy during this period is usually unplanned and is associated with increase maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The overall aim is to study the obstetric outcome in teenage pregnancy and comparing them with the adult group. Materials and methods: A hospital-based study was conducted among teenager primiparous women aged 13-19 years while comparing them with 20-24 years primiparous delivering in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology in Pokhara, Nepal from July 20, 2017 to November 12, 2017. Medical details of the patients were retrospectively collected from the medical record section and used to record sociodemographic features, mode of deliveries, and gestational age at delivery, fetal and maternal outcomes on a structured observational checklist. Results: The incidence of teenage pregnancy wa...

The withdrawal of USAID and PEPFAR funding from Africa has been contentious, raising questions about the sustainability of healthcare and development interventions, particularly among vulnerable populations. This study evaluates the socioeconomic and health impacts of this shift, with emphasis on service delivery gaps, economic burden, and government and civil society response mechanisms. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research employs surveys, interviews, and secondary data analysis to assess the impact on healthcare infrastructure, economic stability, and mortality. Informed by Dependency Theory, the study reviews earlier research on foreign aid dependency and sustainability of donor-funded programs. Preliminary results indicate that funding withdrawal has led to HIV/AIDS treatment interruptions, maternal health care services, and immunization programs and also the loss of employment in donor-funded projects. Although some governments and NGOs make attempts to look for alternative sources of funding, vulnerabilities such as poor domestic resource mobilization and governance constraints still persist. The research indicates that African governments should pay greater attention to domestic health financing through taxation, public-private partnerships, and regional mechanisms while strengthening healthcare resilience through capacity building and decentralized mechanisms. In addition, reaching new donors and investing in community-based healthcare and technologybased solutions is essential in maintaining core services. While the removal of aid is a problem, it also presents a chance for African nations to reconsider development finance policy and achieve self-reliance. This debate highlights the necessity for active policy responses to offset adverse effects and ensure continuity in public health and socioeconomic progress.

Financial literacy is necessary for consumers and society to effectively channel their funds and protect themselves from financial abuse due to changes in the superannuation market, increased longevity, and the long-lasting effects of financial crises. Financial literacy plays a crucial role in determining a nation's economic well-being and growth. This paper aims to study the levels financial literacy in rural and urban households of the respondents and an analysis of financial literacy components such as financial attitude, behavior and financial knowledge. The research work is based on the stratified random sampling method and the primary data is collected through scheduled questionnaire from respondents. The chi-square method used find out the association between financial literacy level and demographic factors. The results of the research showed that association between financial literacy level and demographic factors. The research is helpful to Indian financial regulators and policy makers.

Artificial Intelligence in healthcare represents a significant paradigm shift in diagnostic approaches, drug
discovery, health analytics, and therapies. This study examines the application of AI-based chatbot systems, which
are primarily built using machine learning algorithms and/or Natural Language Processing, to understand and
respond to the needs of patients and their families. An application has been developed for the scenario of providing
support to pregnant women, mothers, and families with young children within suitable contexts. In moments of
uncertainty, stress, or happiness, the chatbots can provide supportive reassurance, timely information, and useful
support at the moment. The proposed system reminds a mother of her next prenatal appointment. It answers
questions about baby nutrition. They proposed a system that bridges care that responds in each user's language,
culture, and unique needs, providing increased accessibility and inclusiveness of important health knowledge.

The study took as its point of departure the Children’s Act No, 38 of 2005 implemented in 2010, which aims to promote the preservation and strengthening of families and to give effect to the rights of children as enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. When the Act was introduced certain segments of society applauded the government for its efforts to promote the rights of children, while others condemned the government’s approach towards parents’ rights in relation to reproductive health issues affecting their children. The primary aim of the research project was to explore the views of a group of parents in Johannesburg Metro Region 11 regarding reproductive health care as embedded in the Children’s Act. A small-scale, descriptive, cross-sectional pilot research design was employed which involved individual interviews with 35 participants. The main findings that emerged from the study were that participants did not participate in the process leading up to the...