Abstract:
BACKGROUND : Pregnant teenagers usually experience psychosocial challenges such as a great
amount of stress when they have to deal with an unwanted pregnancy, unpreparedness for
parenthood and a lack of income as well as labour and birth complications. These are further
complicated by the stigma from their families, friends and community. Unaddressed
psychosocial challenges during teenage pregnancy can adversely affect the health outcomes of
both mother and the child.
AIM : This study explores and describes the psychosocial challenges faced by pregnant
teenagers in the Ditsobotla subdistrict.
SETTING : The study was conducted in three health centres in the Ditsobotla subdistrict.
METHODS : A qualitative-exploratory-descriptive and contextual research design was used.
Non-probability purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used to select the
participants. Semistructured individual interviews through WhatsApp video calls were used
to collect data, which were analysed using conventional content analysis.
RESULTS : Three themes emerged from the findings of the study, namely psychological challenges,
social challenges and suggestions to address psychosocial challenges faced by pregnant teenagers.
CONCLUSION : The findings established that pregnant teenagers in the Ditsobotla subdistrict
are faced with psychosocial challenges which negatively impact their psychological health
and social life. Suggestions made in this study have the potential to improve the psychosocial
well-being of pregnant teenagers in the Ditsobotla subdistrict if implemented.
CONTRIBUTIONS : The findings of this study provide important information that may be used
to improve the psychosocial well-being of pregnant teenagers in the Ditsobotla subdistrict.
