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Reproductive Health

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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Research

A mixed reception: perceptions of pregnant adolescents’ experiences with health care workers in Cape Town, South Africa

Authors: Ronel Sewpaul, Rik Crutzen, Natisha Dukhi, Derrick Sekgala, Priscilla Reddy

Published in: Reproductive Health | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

Maternal mortality among adolescent mothers in South Africa is higher than many middle-income countries. This is largely attributable to conditions that can be prevented or managed by high quality antenatal care. The way in which pregnant adolescents are treated at antenatal clinics influences their timely utilization of antenatal services. This qualitative study reports on the experiences of pregnant adolescents with health care workers when accessing antenatal care.

Methods

Pregnant girls aged 13–19 (n = 19) who attended public health care facilities that provide Basic Antenatal Care (BANC) services in Cape Town, South Africa were recruited. Four face to face in-depth interviews and four mini focus group discussions were undertaken, facilitated by a topic guide. Thematic analyses were used to analyse the data.

Results

Experiences that reinforce antenatal attendance, such as respectful and supportive treatment, were outweighed by negative experiences, such as victimization; discrimination against being pregnant at a young age; experiencing disregard and exclusion; inadequate provision of information about pregnancy, health and childbirth; clinic attendance discouragement; and mental health turmoil.

Conclusions

There is evidence of a discordant relationship between the health care workers and the pregnant adolescents. Adolescents feel mistreated and discriminated against by the health care workers, which in turn discourages their attendance at antenatal clinics. Maternal health care workers need to receive support and regular training on the provision of youth friendly antenatal care and be regularly evaluated, to promote the provision of fair and high quality antenatal services for adolescent girls.

Available only for authorised users

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Title: A mixed reception: perceptions of pregnant adolescents’ experiences with health care workers in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Ronel Sewpaul
Rik Crutzen
Natisha Dukhi
Derrick Sekgala
Priscilla Reddy
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Reproductive Health / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1742-4755
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-021-01211-x

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

A mixed reception: perceptions of pregnant adolescents’ experiences with health care workers in Cape Town, South Africa

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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