Young women’s social support networks during pregnancy in Soweto, South Africa
African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine
| Field | Value | |
| Title | Young women’s social support networks during pregnancy in Soweto, South Africa | |
| Creator | Mabetha, Khuthala Soepnel, Larske M. Klingberg, Sonja Mabena, Gugulethu Motlhatlhedi, Molebogeng Norris, Shane A Draper, Catherine E. | |
| Description | Background: Although studies from high-income countries have examined social support during pregnancy, it remains unclear what type of support is received by expectant mothers from low- and middle-income country settings.Aim: To explore young women’s social support networks during pregnancy in Soweto, South Africa.Setting: This study was undertaken in an academic hospital based in the Southwestern Townships (Soweto), Johannesburg, in Gauteng province, South Africa.Methods: An exploratory descriptive qualitative approach was employed. Eighteen (18) young pregnant women were recruited using a purposive sampling approach. In-depth interviews were conducted, and data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.Results: Analysis of the data resulted in the development of two superordinate themes namely; (1) relationships during pregnancy and (2) network involvement. Involvement of the various social networks contributed greatly to the young women having a greater sense of potential parental efficacy and increased acceptance of their pregnancies. Pregnant women who receive sufficient social support from immediate networks have increased potential to embrace and give attention to pregnancy-related changes.Conclusion: Focusing on less-examined characteristics that could enhance pregnant women’s health could help in the reduction of deaths that arise because of pregnancy complications and contribute in globally accelerating increased accessibility to adequate reproductive health.Contribution: This study’s findings emphasise the necessity for policymakers and healthcare providers to educate the broader community about the importance of partner, family and peer support to minimise risks that may affect pregnancy care and wellbeing of mothers. | |
| Publisher | AOSIS | |
| Date | 2024-04-29 | |
| Identifier | 10.4102/phcfm.v16i1.4146 | |
| Source | African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine; Vol 16, No 1 (2024); 11 pages 2071-2936 2071-2928 | |
| Language | eng | |
| Relation |
The following web links (URLs) may trigger a file download or direct you to an alternative webpage to gain access to a publication file format of the published article:
https://phcfm.org/index.php/phcfm/article/view/4146/7072
https://phcfm.org/index.php/phcfm/article/view/4146/7073
https://phcfm.org/index.php/phcfm/article/view/4146/7074
https://phcfm.org/index.php/phcfm/article/view/4146/7075
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