Problems and expectations in life of pregnant teenagers

Abstract

Background: Teenage pregnancy directly affect psychological well-being of mother, child, family and society. Therefore, this research aimed to deeply examine the problems and expectations of pregnant teenagers in order to build new knowledge for further studies.

Objective: To study problems and expectations in pregnant teenagers’ life.

Methods: A qualitative study using a semi structured in-depth interviews as data collecting method. Study population consists of 13 pregnant teenagers aged between 10 - 19 years old. The data for the study were derived from individual interview, conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thailand.

Results: This research showed that the pregnant teenagers in Thailand had better quality of life compared to the previous study because of the Act for prevention and solution of the adolescent pregnancy problem of Thailand. This helps pregnant teenagers to continue their study, their work and receive the social welfare. All of them are more concerned of the importance of education so they wish to continue their study after giving birth. For the social expectation, they need the following support which are:

1) financial support for the baby’s expenses;

2) support of training and knowledge of parenting skills; and,

3) the financial support from social welfare to be given sooner without having to advanced their own money.

Conclusion: This study shows that partner, family, teacher, friends, colleague, employer, medical team, and government have to work together to support pregnant teens to access to basic needs not only
physical needs but also mental health, education, financial, and social service.