Northeastern Thai Adolescents' Perceptions Of Being Unmarried And Pregnant

Unmarried pregnant adolescents are at risk of maternal and infant health issues, including psychological problems and socioeconomic disadvantages. These issues are complex, with respect to their context, and often are not clearly understood by healthcare providers and others. This descriptive qualitative study sought to glean further understanding of the meaning of being an unmarried pregnant adolescent in northeastern Thailand.Sixteen northeastern Thai unmarried pregnant adolescents, aged 13 to 17 years, participated. All were primiparas and interviewed at a gestational age of 32 to 36 weeks. Data were collected via in-depth interviews, and analyzed using the process of abstraction described by Morse and Richard.Results revealed "Being Devalued" and "Ending Adolescent Life" were the thematic meanings of being an unmarried pregnant adolescent. "Being Devalued" was the adolescents' perception they were seen as a "bad girl" and had lost their sense of self-worth. "Ending Adolescent Life" was the adolescents' perceptions their adolescence ended because of: being isolated from their peers; being unable to engage in teen activities; and, dropping out of school.Findings may assist nurses and other healthcare providers better understand unmarried pregnant adolescents from their own perspectives. Age and situation appropriate prenatal care that takes into account adolescents' viewpoints, shows respect and does not place blame appears to be needed.