The Influence of the Special “Adolescent” Clinic on Pregnant Adolescents in the Kumasi Metropolis.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of the Special “Adolescent” clinic on pregnant adolescents in the Kumasi Metropolis. The study population included 370 respondents, out of which 61.6% (228) were recruited from the Special “Adolescent” clinic, and 38.4% (142) from the mixed antenatal clinic. The median age was 18 years, with a standard deviation of ± 1.319. From the study most of the formal unions in the pregnant adolescents were from the three northern regions (61.4%). The outcome o f the services rendered to the pregnant adolescents at the Special “Adolescent” Clinics was better compared to the Mixed Antenatal Clinic (ANC). The ratio of respondents from the Special “Adolescent” Clinic to the Mixed ANC who knew the purposes of ANC was 3:2. The knowledge of respondents on rest and exercise was higher at the Special “Adolescent” Clinic compared to the Mixed ANC. Knowledge of frequency of ANC visits by respondents was better at the Special “Adolescent” clinic compared to that o f the Mixed ANC. On contraceptives there was comparably poor outcome from both types of clinics. The average waiting time for both types of clinics was 2.5 hours. University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh It was found out from the study that the pregnant adolescents who attend the Mixed ANC prefer to attend the Special “Adolescent “Clinic. This was because of the attitude of the pregnant older mothers. Based on the findings, the performance of the Special “Adolescent” Clinic is on the higher side compared to that of the Mixed ANC. It can also be said that the majority of respondents at the Mixed ANC preferred to attend the Special “Adolescent” Clinic. Implying that the Special “Adolescent” Clinic is a better option for the pregnant adolescents. In conclusion the Special “Adolescent” Clinic should be the model for all pregnant adolescents in the Metropolis and beyond.