Mental health and coping strategies of teenage mothers in the Kavango regions

The aim of this study is to assess the mental health, investigate the challenges and coping strategies of teenage mothers in the two Kavango regions, namely Kavango East and Kavango West. The main focus of the study is to investigate, whether young schooling mothers show symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Furthermore, the study seeks to explore the extent of these symptoms and any other psychological or social challenges. Finally, the study seeks to explore methods used in coping with these challenges. The population sample consist of teenage mothers aged between 14 to 19 years, a sample size of seventy-two (72) participants. Thirty (30) participants were selected from Kavango East and the other thirty (30) from Kavango West. Three (3) combined and senior secondary schools were selected per region. A process of systematic random sampling was used to select a total number of 10 participants per school. In addition, two (2) focus groups each consisting of six (6) participants were selected in each region. A triangulation method of quantitative (close-ended) and qualitative (open-ended) methods was used to collect the data. For the quantitative data, a self-report 42-item Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) was used to measure symptoms of three variables, namely: depression, anxiety and stress. For the qualitative data, semi structured interviews were conducted with participants in the two focus groups. The results indicate themes of regret, guilt, worry, chronic sadness, symptoms of moderate to severe depression, anxiety and stress, stigma and limited or a lack of financial and emotional support. It is therefore recommended that there is access to psychotherapy and/or counselling services in schools and in communities and teenage mothers’ clubs. Furthermore, it is recommended that flexible learning environments are created, moreover, provision of day care facilities to help minimise the varying stress experienced which consequently affect school performance.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Namibia

Year dc:date.issued

2018

Author dc:creator

• Musese, Annastasia N.

• Mental health
• Coping strategies
• Teenage mothers

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11070/2255

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.unam.edu.na:11070/2255