| dc.description.abstract | Background: Teenage pregnancy is a significant problem in Kenya, with over 18% of teenagers
aged 15-19 being pregnant or already mothers, with rates even higher in low-income areas such as
slums. Existing research has shown that teenage pregnancy increases the risk of mental health
disorders, and maternal complications during childbirth, and postpartum.
Objective: The study aimed to determine the social-cultural factors associated with common
mental health disorders among pregnant and parenting teenagers.
Method: An analytical cross-sectional research design was applied. A stratified random sampling
technique was utilized to recruit 153 study participants, where Cochran formula for smaller
populations was applied to determine sample size. Both qualitative and quantitative techniques of
data collection were applied. The chi-square test for independence was employed to determine the
degree of association between the dependent and independent variables. Statistical significance
was set at p=≤0.05.
Results: The prevalence of common mental health disorders in this study was 55%. When the
bivariate analysis was done, the following social-cultural factors were found to be significantly
associated with common mental health disorders. Absence of social support (X
2
=2.983, df=3,
P<0.005), intimate partner violence (X
2
= 25.970; df=1, P-value=< 0.000). Presence of physical
violence (Physical abuse before pregnancy(X
2=19.006, df=2,p<0.001*), Physical abuse during
pregnancy(X
2=21.169, df=2, <0.001*), Physical abuse after delivery(X
2=26.173, df=2, <0.001*),) and
presence of sexual violence(Sexual abuse before pregnancy(X2=13.896, df=2, <0.001*), Sexual
abuse during pregnancy(X
2=5.208, df=2, 0.035*) and Sexual abuse after pregnancy(X
2=8.405, df=2,
0.003*).
Conclusion: The prevalence of common mental health disorders in this study was high. The
following social-cultural factors were found to be significantly associated with common mental
health disorders, absence of social support, presence of physical violence, presence of sexual
abuse, and the presence of intimate partner violence. There is a need to develop psychosocial and
legal support programs targeting pregnant and parenting teenagers to prevent them from common
mental health disorders. Furthermore, the community including parents, teachers, and policymakers
should support adolescents during their growth and development stages and protect them against
teenage pregnancies which will ultimately lead to a healthier population. | en_US |
