Date of Conferral
2022
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Public Health
Advisor
Mary Lou Gutierrez
Abstract
Teenage pregnancy has adverse social, economic, and health consequences for adolescents. Pregnancy in adolescence is linked to high school dropout, high unemployment, stigma, low income, financial hardships, anxiety, and depression.. The purpose of this phenomenological research study was to understand the socioeconomic factors that impact young mothers aged 17 years and younger in low-income communities. Schlossberg's transition theory guided this study. Fifteen young women ages 18 and 24 who were either pregnant or had given birth before age 17 years and under were recruited through purposive sampling and interviewed using in-depth key informant interviews. Audio recordings of interviews were transcribed, entered, and coded using NVivo 12 software. Findings indicated that while some participants were happy and proud of having children, most participants felt fear, isolation, embarrassment, and disappointment during their pregnancies, especially related to financial strain.
Participants’ mothers or female caretakers were most likely to provide emotional and financial support, even more than the respective father. Results indicated that teenage motherhood changed the way participants thought of their educational goals and other life plans. Findings from this study may lead to positive social change, which may include the need for increased support from the government, teachers, and school personnel to stay in school. When the public is knowledgeable about the challenges associated with adolescent pregnancy, they are more likely to support affected teenagers in coping with such problems.
Recommended Citation
Kerobo, Sunday, "The Experiences of Teenage Mothers About the Socioeconomic Aspects of Teen Pregnancy in a Low-Income Community" (2022). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 12742.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/12742
