Psychosocial and environmental problems and need assessment of pregnant adolescents: A case study approach at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital.

Abstract

Background : The study to understand the psychosocial and environmental problems as well as need assessment of pregnant adolescents is essential to help prevention on pregnancy in adolescents, and to effectively solve this problem more directly.

Objective : To study psychosocial and environmental problems and biopsychosocial needs of pregnant adolescent.

Design : Qualitative study.

Setting : Pregnant adolescent clinic, at pre-natal department, King Chulalongkorn Memomrial Hospital.

Materials and Methods : Purposively recruited, sampling population were 18 pregnant adolescents using prenatal child service at Pregnant Adolescent Clinic, at pre-natal Department, King Chulalongkorn Memomrial Hospital 6 people per tri-semester. Population were required 1) to answer Personal Information questionnaire and 2) to participate in the in-depth interview.

Result : Study found that pregnant adolescents had to quit their school during their pregnancy. They needed to make a decision whether they would stay with their own family or with their husband. The pregnant adolescent was unable to work, find a job, had no full-time job income. Pregnant adolescents needed physical health support, and recommendation to take care of their children. Moreover they also needed closed relationship and emotional support from significant people.

Conclusion : Detail study on biopsychosocial problems and needs of pregnant adolescent can be used as primary information to plan on helps and social resource management to fulfill the needs of pregnant adolescents, and to plan prevention on unwanted pregnancy in adolescent.