A qualitative analysis of adolescent motherhood within the broader family context in Peru

The purpose of this study was to characterize the impact of adolescent pregnancy on families and describe the needs of adolescent mothers and their infants in order to assess the need for intervention and identify potential intervention targets.

Adolescent mothers and their offspring face an increased risk of mental health problems. Adolescent mothers and their families also face significant resource constraints; 95% live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Cost-effective interventions are needed to improve outcomes for this vulnerable group.

This qualitative study conducted in Lima, Peru, consisted of four clinician focus groups and 18 in-depth interviews with adolescent mothers and their family members. Data were coded thematically, and direct content analysis was employed.

The study identified the following issues facing adolescent parents: the transition to parenthood, the need for family support, difficulty accessing support, the difficulty for family members of providing support, and ideas about responsibility and adolescent autonomy.

Overall, these findings demonstrate the need for interventions that engage families and address barriers to accessing support, including relationship conflict and differing beliefs about responsibility and autonomy.

Interventions are needed for adolescent mothers in LMICs that mobilize family support. Clinicians who care for these patients need to be aware of the family context and the resources available where they practice.