Prioritizing the mental health needs of pregnant adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa



Eboreime, Ejemai ORCID: 0000-0001-8277-2570, Ezeokoli, Adaobi, Adams, Keturah and Banke-Thomas, Aduragbemi ORCID: 0000-0002-4449-0131
(2022) Prioritizing the mental health needs of pregnant adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. Journal of Global Health Neurology and Psychiatry.

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Abstract

<jats:p>Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest rate of adolescent pregnancy in the world, with an estimated prevalence of 19.3%. Whereas adolescent pregnancy is considered on the policy agenda as a public health challenge in many sub-Saharan African countries, the mental health impact, although dire, has not received commensurate attention in the policy space. This is not unconnected with sociocultural norms and stigma associated, not just with mental health, but with teenage pregnancy as well. Similarly, adult maternal mental health, though often relegated, has been receiving increasing attention. But pregnant teenagers are often not the focus of available mental health interventions, even though they are more vulnerable to the same pathophysiological stressors, as well as being uniquely exposed to extreme sociocultural and economic stressors. In this viewpoint, we argue that prioritizing the mental health of adolescent mothers is critical in sub-Saharan Africa. We also make important recommendations to ensure that pregnant adolescents receive the mental health services and support they need.</jats:p>

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: 3213 Paediatrics, 32 Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 44 Human Society, Maternal Health, Pediatric, Behavioral and Social Science, Clinical Research, Women's Health, Social Determinants of Health, Mental Health, Basic Behavioral and Social Science, Pregnancy, Adolescent Sexual Activity, Teenage Pregnancy, 3.1 Primary prevention interventions to modify behaviours or promote wellbeing, Mental health, Reproductive health and childbirth, 3 Good Health and Well Being
Divisions: Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Population Health
Depositing User: Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited: 10 Feb 2023 18:00
Last Modified: 27 Sep 2024 06:52
DOI: 10.52872/001c.34646
Open Access URL: https://joghnp.scholasticahq.com/article/34646-pri...
Related URLs:
URI: https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3168355