Birth preparedness and complication readiness: assessment of perceptions and challenges experienced by pregnant adolescents, in Temeke Municipal Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: It is believed that most of poor outcomes of pregnancy are directly related to poor birth preparedness and complications readiness. According to Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey, there is a zonal disparity of knowledge and practice of BP/CR among pregnant mothers. Few studies have specifically focused their attention on BP/CR among adolescent pregnant women. Consequently, little is known on facilitators and challenges to BP/CR among adolescent pregnant women. It is this gap in knowledge this study intended to fill. Objectives: To explore perception on birth preparedness and complication readiness among pregnant adolescent girls in Temeke district. Methodology: qualitative method was used where by in-depth Interview were conducted among 18 adolescent pregnant women who were attending antenatal clinic at Mbagala Rangi Tatu hospital. Facility which is located in Temeke district. Data analysis for this study was done by using a thematic approach. Results: Most participants were of the opinion that antenatal attendance is key to birth preparedness. However, when participants were asked at which age did, they start to attend antenatal clinic, majority started when pregnancy was above 5 months. Moreover, most adolescents had perception that actual preparation for childbirth is literally unaffordable as it requires money which they don’t have. Challenges experienced by adolescent mothers were categorized as per ecological theory. At intrapersonal level, pregnant adolescents had emotional challenge which involved negative feelings about her fate as a teenage mother. At the interpersonal level, the pregnant adolescents lacked social support for BP/CR. They reported rejection by their male partners. Likewise, some fathers literally rejected their pregnant daughters and provided minimal support.as they provided very minimal support. At the societal level, stigma associated with teenage pregnancy and poor economic situation impaired BP/CR Conclusion: The study has shown that pregnant adolescents’ perception on birth BP/CR is very low and they have limited social support. In conclusion adolescent girls need to be educated on BP/CR and have support from society and government as well.