Presentation Information
[aQrq5kgV-01]Midwives’ Perspectives and Practices in Adolescent Pregnancy Care: A Qualitative Study in Northern Malawi
*Miyuki Toda1, Crystal Patil2, Balwani Chingatichifwe Mbakaya3, Dorkasi Mwakawanga4, Jing Zhou1, Yoko Shimpuku1 (1. Hiroshima University (Japan), 2. University of Michigan (USA), 3. University of Livingstonia (Malawi), 4. Muhimbili University (Tanzania))
Keywords:
Adolescent pregnancy,Youth-friendly care,Malawi,Antenatal care
[Purpose]Adolescent pregnancy is highly prevalent in Malawi, with rates among the highest worldwide. Pregnancy has physical, psychological, and psychosocial effects on adolescent mothers and their offspring. Despite widespread awareness of these adverse outcomes, there remains limited focus on tailored care for this vulnerable group. Midwives are frontline providers for adolescents, addressing challenges throughout the maternity period. This study explored midwives' perspectives and practices regarding adolescent pregnancy care in Malawi to uncover the barriers to and facilitators of comprehensive care.
[Method]This study used a descriptive qualitative design. Six focus group discussions were conducted with 38 midwives purposefully recruited from three hospitals in Northern Malawi. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes related to midwives’ perspectives and practices.
[Results]Three themes emerged from the analysis: (1) perspectives and attitudes related to positive engagement, (2) care practice as holistic care, and (3) envisioning equitable opportunity to receive antenatal care. Midwives engaged empathetically with adolescents, building trust and providing individualized health education. They collaborated with families and other professionals to support pregnant adolescents. However, system inadequacies and sociocultural factors were identified as the primary challenges. In response, midwives advocated for youth-friendly care training, dedicated antenatal care sites, community engagement and peer support networks.
[Consideration]Addressing existing challenges and implementing the recommended strategies could improve the quality of care and maternal and newborn health outcomes. Moreover, the findings emphasize the need to invest in midwifery training and supportive infrastructure to ensure that midwives are equipped with skills to meet the unique needs of adolescent mothers.
[Conclusion]The findings underscore the critical role of midwives in delivering youth-friendly care and provide actionable insights to address the identified gap in comprehensive care for pregnant adolescents in Malawi.
[Method]This study used a descriptive qualitative design. Six focus group discussions were conducted with 38 midwives purposefully recruited from three hospitals in Northern Malawi. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes related to midwives’ perspectives and practices.
[Results]Three themes emerged from the analysis: (1) perspectives and attitudes related to positive engagement, (2) care practice as holistic care, and (3) envisioning equitable opportunity to receive antenatal care. Midwives engaged empathetically with adolescents, building trust and providing individualized health education. They collaborated with families and other professionals to support pregnant adolescents. However, system inadequacies and sociocultural factors were identified as the primary challenges. In response, midwives advocated for youth-friendly care training, dedicated antenatal care sites, community engagement and peer support networks.
[Consideration]Addressing existing challenges and implementing the recommended strategies could improve the quality of care and maternal and newborn health outcomes. Moreover, the findings emphasize the need to invest in midwifery training and supportive infrastructure to ensure that midwives are equipped with skills to meet the unique needs of adolescent mothers.
[Conclusion]The findings underscore the critical role of midwives in delivering youth-friendly care and provide actionable insights to address the identified gap in comprehensive care for pregnant adolescents in Malawi.
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