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Social support during adolescent pregnancy: piecing together a quilt
M Cynthia Logsdon1, Patricia Gagne, Tara Hughes
1University of Louisville, 555 Floyd Street, Louisville, KY 40202, USA. mclogs01@gwise.louisville.edu
Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing : JOGNN
|October 18, 2005
Summary
Pregnant adolescents often piece together unreliable support from various sources, influenced by relationships, safety concerns, and socioeconomic status. Understanding these experiences is crucial for developing effective support programs.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Adolescent Health
- Qualitative Research
Background:
- Adolescent pregnancy presents unique challenges to young women.
- Support systems are critical for the well-being of pregnant adolescents.
- Previous research has not fully explored the nuanced experiences of support among this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate pregnant adolescents' experiences of receiving support.
- To examine variations in support experiences by age group.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative research design guided by feminist theory.
- Data collected through focus groups with 30 pregnant adolescents (ages 13-18) in an urban Southern US school.
- Data analyzed using analytic induction, considering group dynamics.
Main Results:
- Adolescents described "piecing together" support from unreliable adults, peers, and partners, likened to a "patchwork quilt."
- Factors influencing support included relationships with family and partners, safety threats, and socioeconomic status.
- Age variations in support experiences were noted.
Conclusions:
- Findings highlight the complex and often precarious nature of support for pregnant adolescents.
- Results can inform the development of targeted programs by nurses, educators, and community leaders.
- Emphasizes the need for reliable and comprehensive support systems for young pregnant women.
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