| This qualitative research aims to study the events or circumstances that cause stress in pregnant teenagers. The sample was a group of 30 pregnant teenagers (younger than 19 years old) who received pre-natal care at Sapphasit Prasong Fort Hospital and signed the consent form for participation in research. Data were collected by studying biographical profiles and by conducting in-depth interviews during September, 2007 – February, 2008. Content analysis was then performed.
The results showed that the average age of the sampled pregnant teenagers was 17.2 years. Most of them were educated at a lower secondary school level. The majority of the sampled pregnancies resulted from failure to use contraception due to the lack of correct information and understanding. Some had sexual relationship with boyfriends by imitating what they saw on VCD’s and the Internet. Upon hearing about their pregnancy, the teenagers mostly viewed their having a baby negatively. The attitude became more positive after they received moral support from the surrounding individuals, especially their family members, and after gaining more social acceptance. These contributed significantly to the reduction of stress in the pregnant teenagers. In addition, it was found that unprepared pregnancy in a very dependent state was the event or circumstance that induced stress among the sampled pregnant teenagers. The stress was most strongly caused by delivery-related factors most of which were linked to worries about labor pains. Other less strong factors ranged from family’s economy, adjustment to a new (maternal) role, relationship with spouse, fetal development to changes in appearance, respectively. Factors that helped reduce stress in pregnant teenagers consisted of various kinds of support from family including moral support, acceptance from family members, financial help as well as good care from spouse. Clear and adequate advice or explanation about pregnancy and delivery must be given by the hospital that provides pre-natal care. Pregnant teenagers should, therefore, be educated about physical changes during pregnancy and the correct delivery procedures. Additionally, results from the stress assessment in the pre-natal records should be utilized seriously. Officials responsible for specific tasks should be prepared to ask questions, discuss or give opportunities for pregnant teenagers to express themselves so that any stress or problems that occur with them can be truly perceived and addressed individually. |