ArticleTherapeutic advances in reproductive health
Exploring the experiences and perceptions of adolescent mothers regarding maternal health services in Chiredzi district, Zimbabwe: a qualitative inquiry.
Article in Therapeutic advances in reproductive health. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
Background: Adolescent pregnancy remains a critical global health challenge, disproportionately affecting low-resource settings and jeopardizing the health, well-being and socioeconomic prospects of young mothers and their children. Globally, 75% of adolescent births occur without adequate medical care, exacerbating risks of maternal and neonatal complications. In Zimbabwe, where cultural, economic and structural barriers further limit healthcare access, adolescent girls face heightened vulnerabilities. Objectives: This qualitative study explores the lived experiences and perceptions of adolescent mothers regarding maternal health services in Chiredzi district, Zimbabwe. Design: This study employed a phenomenological approach to capture diverse perspectives on maternal healthcare. Methods: In-depth interviews with 20 purposively sampled adolescent mothers (aged 15-19) attending Chiredzi General Hospital were conducted in March 2025, immediately after ethical approval was obtained (ethics number: NUST/IRB/2025/38). Data collection continued until thematic saturation was achieved. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Analysis revealed 4 primary themes and 24 subthemes, highlighting key barriers to maternal healthcare access. Financial constraints, inadequate transportation and fragmented health services were prominent structural challenges. Sociocultural factors, including stigma, discriminatory attitudes and restrictive gender norms, further deterred care-seeking behaviours. Participants emphasized the need for adolescent-friendly health services, community-based education programs and economic support to mitigate these barriers. Stakeholder engagement, involving policymakers, traditional leaders and healthcare providers, was identified as critical for developing sustainable intervention strategies. Conclusion: Addressing the maternal health disparities faced by adolescent girls requires a multifaceted, intersectional approach. Structural interventions, such as improving healthcare accessibility and affordability, must be coupled with community-level initiatives to combat stigma and promote gender equity. Empowering adolescents through education, economic opportunities and culturally sensitive support networks is essential to fostering long-term resilience. Policymakers and program implementers must prioritize adolescent-inclusive health strategies to ensure equitable maternal health outcomes in Zimbabwe and similar settings.
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