Abstract:
Background: In Tanzania, adolescents have a high lifetime risk of dying from
pregnancy and childbirth complications.
Objective: To determine the feasibility of an education program in improving
knowledge of obstetric danger signs and promoting appropriate healthcare-seeking
behavior, as well as encouraging the development of a peer network support group.
Methods: An embedded mixed-methods design was used. This research was a pilot
study conducted in a health facility in rural Tanzania. Quantitative data was collected
before and after the education program using questionnaires. Focus group discussion
was used to collect qualitative data.
Results: 15 pregnant adolescents between 15 to 19 years of age participated. Their
median age was 18.0 years (SD ± 1.19), and 66.7% were ≤ 18 years. There was a
significant increase in the scores of knowledge of danger signs during pregnancy
between the pre-test (M = 7.20, SD = 2.83) and the post-test (M = 9.07, SD = 1.67); t =
2.168, p = 0.048. There was a significant strong positive correlation between the
healthcare-seeking behavior score and social support score variables [r = .654, p =
0.008]. The education program was feasible in terms of implementation, acceptability,
and demand as indicated by its > 84% score. Four categories were identified from the
qualitative data: “supportive family”, “rejection and abortion”, “support from peers”,
and “potential barriers to seek care”.
Conclusion: The development of an education program particularly on obstetric danger
signs was feasible and helpful for pregnant adolescents in Tanzania.
