Perception and experiences of adolescent mothers and communities in caring for their preterm babies: findings from an in-depth study in rural Bangladesh.
Journal article
Salam, Shumona Sharmin, Rahman, Ahmed Ehsanur, Mhajabin, Shema, Mazumder, Tapas, Majid, Tamanna, Samad Talha, Md Taqbir Us, Haider, Rajib, Chowdhury, Anika Tasneem, Islam, Sharmin, Ameen, Shafiqul, Jabeen, Sabrina, Balen, Julie, Arifeen, Shams El, Nahar, Quamrun and Anumba, D. 2024. Perception and experiences of adolescent mothers and communities in caring for their preterm babies: findings from an in-depth study in rural Bangladesh. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. 24 (1), p. 145. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-024-06345-x
| Authors | Salam, Shumona Sharmin, Rahman, Ahmed Ehsanur, Mhajabin, Shema, Mazumder, Tapas, Majid, Tamanna, Samad Talha, Md Taqbir Us, Haider, Rajib, Chowdhury, Anika Tasneem, Islam, Sharmin, Ameen, Shafiqul, Jabeen, Sabrina, Balen, Julie, Arifeen, Shams El, Nahar, Quamrun and Anumba, D. |
|---|---|
| Abstract | BackgroundA significant concern for Bangladesh is the high prevalence of adolescent pregnancy and the associated negative consequences for mother and baby, including a teen-related increased risk of preterm birth (PTB). Bangladesh also has one of the highest incidences of PTB (19%). Despite these high numbers of adolescent pregnancies and PTB, little is reported about the experiences of adolescent mothers in caring for their preterm babies, and the interventions needed to support them. The aim of this study was to explore gaps and opportunities for improved care for preterm babies among adolescent mothers and communities in rural Bangladesh.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative study in rural villages of Baliakandi sub-district of Bangladesh. Data collection involved in-depth interviews with adolescent mothers of premature and term babies, adult mothers with premature babies, and family members (n = 36); focus groups with community members (n = 5); and key informant interviews with healthcare providers (n = 13). Adolescent mothers with term and adult mothers with PTBs were included to elicit similarities and differences in understanding and care practices of PTB. A thematic approach was used for data analysis.ResultsWe explored two major themes- perceptions and understanding of PTB; care practices and care-seeking for illnesses. We observed gaps and variations in understanding of preterm birth (length of gestation, appearance, causes, problems faced) and care practices (thermal management, feeding, weight monitoring) among all, but particularly among adolescents. Immediate natal and marital-kins were prominent in the narratives of adolescents as sources of informational and instrumental support. The use of multiple providers and delays in care-seeking from trained providers for sick preterm babies was noted, often modulated by the perception of severity of illness, cost, convenience, and quality of services. Health systems challenges included lack of equipment and trained staff in facilities to provide special care to preterm babies.ConclusionA combination of factors including local knowledge, socio-cultural practices and health systems challenges influenced knowledge of, and care for, preterm babies among adolescent and adult mothers. Strategies to improve birth outcomes will require increased awareness among adolescents, women, and families about PTB and improvement in quality of PTB services at health facilities. |
| Keywords | Newborn; Bangladesh; Adolescents; Preterm Birth; Maternal; Humans; Premature Birth; Mothers; Perception; Pregnancy; Adolescent; Adult; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Female; Adolescent Mothers |
| Year | 2024 |
| Journal | BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth |
| Journal citation | 24 (1), p. 145 |
| Publisher | BMC |
| ISSN | 1471-2393 |
| Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-024-06345-x |
| Official URL | https://bmcpregnancychildbirth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12884-024-06345-x |
| Funder | National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) |
| Publication dates | |
| Online | 17 Feb 2024 |
| 01 Feb 2024 | |
| Publication process dates | |
| Accepted | 12 Feb 2024 |
| Deposited | 26 Feb 2024 |
| Publisher's version | File Access Level Open |
| Output status | Published |
| Additional information | Publications router: Date 2024-02-17 of type 'publication_date' with format 'electronic' included in notification |
Publications router: License for this article: cc by included in notification | |
| License | CC BY |
| File | |
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