Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41618175›Full record

ArticleBMC pregnancy and childbirth2026

Stress from pregnancy disclosure and its impact on teen mothers' identity in Rwanda: a qualitative study.

Eugenie Uwimana, Augustin Nshimiyimana, Aimable Musafili, Eugene Rutembesa, Japhet Niyonsenga

Abstract read
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Article in BMC pregnancy and childbirth, 2026. 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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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Eugenie UwimanaDepartment of Clinical Psychology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda. eunyabu@gmail.com.
Augustin NshimiyimanaDepartment of Clinical Psychology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda.
Aimable MusafiliDepartment of Paediatrics and Child Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda.
Eugene RutembesaDepartment of Clinical Psychology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda.
Japhet NiyonsengaDepartment of Clinical Psychology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda. niyonsengajaphet74@gmail.com.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2429-2330

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundTeen motherhood is often accompanied by a range of emotional and psychological challenges, which are further intensified by social and familial responses. Understanding these experiences is critical for developing effective support mechanisms.

objectivesThis study aimed to explore the multifaceted experiences of teen mothers, from pregnancy disclosure through early motherhood, with a focus on their emotional and behavioral reactions, the sources of stress, and the impact of stress on identity development.

methodTwenty-seven semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with teen mothers selected from Burera district. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis within Nvivo 14 software to identify key themes and subthemes.

resultsFive interrelated themes described how stress arising from pregnancy disclosure shaped teen mothers’ subsequent experiences and identity. First, reactions of teen mothers captured intense emotional responses to pregnancy and early motherhood, including disappointment, sadness, fear of physical changes, shame, loss of self-esteem, and isolation. Second, the relationship between reactions and stress showed that emotional distress translated into behavioral responses such as refusal of food, suicidal ideation, insomnia, as well as working hard to counteract societal stigma. Third, sources of stress sources included a lack of social and family support, economic difficulties, and emotional challenges. Fourth, the influence of stress on identity development was reflected in identity conflicts and persistent emotional disturbances. Fifth, preventive measures highlighted the perceived importance of counselling and psychoeducation, social and economic support, and community education to reduce stigma and support positive identity development.

conclusionThe study underscores the complex challenges faced by teen mothers and the critical need for comprehensive support systems to mitigate stress and promote positive identity development. Culturally relevant mental health interventions, along with ensuring access to healthcare, education, and financial assistance, are vital for improving the well-being of teen mothers and their children, while also addressing societal stigma and maladaptive coping strategies.

Indexed as

Adolescent MothersPregnancy in AdolescenceStress, PsychologicalAdaptation, PsychologicalAdolescentFemaleHumansPregnancyQualitative ResearchRwandaSelf ConceptSocial StigmaSocial SupportAnd teen mothersIdentity developmentPregnancy disclosureStress

Identifiers

PMID41618175
PMCPMC12933987

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LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.