Psychosocial Challenges of Pregnant Adolescents in the Ho Municipal Area of the Volta Region

Abstract

Background: Adolescent pregnancy is considered to be high risk. The psychosocial challenges of these adolescents are enormous. This study therefore seeks to explore the psychosocial challenges of pregnant adolescents in the Ho Municipal area of the Volta Region in order to help inform policy on the appropriate psychosocial interventions. The scope of this study focused predominantly on the menace of adolescent pregnancy in the Ho Municipal area in the Volta Region of Ghana. Therefore, the central objective of the study was to explore the psychosocial challenges of pregnant adolescents in the Ho Municipal area of the Volta Region. Methodology: The study is purely qualitative and relies primarily on literature review and interviews for data collection and analyses. Results: Findings from the study revealed that the major causes of teenage pregnancy in the Ho Municipal area includes poverty, influence of alcohol and drugs on sexual behavior, influence childhood environment, the lack of education on safe sex or contraceptive usage, family structure and its influences on sexual behavior of adolescents and peer pressure. It was also revealed that the psychosocial effects of adolescent pregnancy in the Ho Municipal area in the Volta Region of Ghana includes depression, anxiety, anger and violence, sadness, lack of community and family support, isolation, lack of proper health and stigmatization and discrimination. Conclusion: Pregnant adolescents in the Ho Municipality encounter various psychosocial challenges. Multiple factors such as poverty, alcohol and drug abuse and lack of adequate knowledge on the use of contraceptive contribute significantly to the menace in the study area. It is therefore imperative that working strategies be implemented to reduce unplanned adolescent pregnancies, and to support pregnant adolescents in realizing their right to continue with their education, during pregnancy and following childbirth.