Post-Natal Daily Living Experiences of Unmarried Teenage Mothers: A Phenomenological Study in Enyan Denkyira, Ghana
Mark Opoku Ababio
University of Education, Winneba, Ghana.
Kofi Awuviry-Newton
African Health and Ageing Research Centre (AHaARC), Winneba, Central Region, Ghana.
Jacob Oppong Nkansah *
Lingnan University, Hong Kong and University of Education, Winneba, Ghana.
Kwamina Abekah-Carter
Department of Social Work, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: This study explored the post-natal daily living experiences of teenage mothers in Enyan Denkyira, Ghana.
Method: The study employed the phenomenological research design, and utilized the snowballing sampling technique to recruit 15 teenage mothers. Data for this research were gathered via in-depth interviews and Focus Group Discussion, and they were analysed thematically.
Results: According to the findings, these mothers faced hunger and nutritional deficiencies due to financial difficulties, and this subsequently compromised their health. Furthermore, majority of the adolescent mothers were dropouts who had failed to learn any vocation to enable them earn income, as well as enhance their self-esteem.
Conclusion: In light of the findings, the paper recommends for the establishment of interventions that would provide teenage mothers some income support, as well as opportunities for education and microenterprise development. These interventions could help enhance their wellbeing.
Keywords: Teenage pregnancy, teenage mother, post-natal experiences, adolescent, Ghana