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Pregnancy

Adolescent women's perspective of pregnancy in Iran: a qualitative study

02 June 2023
Research
02 June 2023
Volume 31 · Issue 6

Abstract

Background/Aims

Adolescent pregnancy is a significant health problem that can lead to adverse effects for the health of both adolescent mothers and their babies. Little is known about adolescent pregnancy from the perspective of adolescents, especially in developing countries, including Iran. The present study's aim was to explore Iranian adolescent women's perspectives of pregnancy.

Methods

This study was a thematic analysis conducted from November 2018 to October 2019 in north Iran. Data were collected through 24 unstructured, face-to-face in depth interviews which were transcribed and analysed using coding, constant comparison and memo writing.

Results

The experiences were categorised into five themes: ‘skeptical confronting pregnancy’, ‘intelligent self-care’, ‘embracing the pregnancy’, ‘effective support from others’ and ‘mixed perceptions of pregnancy’.

Conclusions

This study could improve healthcare professionals' adaptation of care for pregnant adolescent women and inspire them to tailor their care specifically to adolescents' needs.

Approximately 21 million pregnancies occur in girls aged 15–19 years in low- and middle-income countries every year, and approximately 12 million give birth (World Health Organization, 2022). Adolescent pregnancy is a major health problem (Oner et al, 2012) and is considered the primary cause of mortality in women aged 15–19 years old (United Nations Population Fund, 2007). Iran has a large population of adolescents and the age-specific fertility rate in this group rose from 25 to 31 per 1000 adolescents between 2010 and 2020 (Moridi and Aminshokravi, 2018; Bahari et al, 2021; World Bank, 2023). According to Iran's population policy, it is predicted that the fertility rate of Iranian adolescents will rise by 2025 (Mohammadi et al, 2016).

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Adolescent
Experience
Pregnancy
Qualitative