Perception of Group Prenatal Care among Pregnant Adolescents: A Qualitative Study in Iran

Abstract

Background: Understanding the pregnant adolescent's perception of group prenatal care is necessary for introducing and implementing this model of care. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore adolescent pregnant women's perception of group prenatal care in Iran.

Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in Iran from November 2021 to May 2022 to explore adolescents' perception of group prenatal care during pregnancy. Fifteen adolescent pregnant women (from a low-income population) who received group prenatal care were recruited and interviewed individually at a public health care center through an intentional sampling method. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim in Persian, and analyzed using conventional content analysis.

Results: From the data analysis, 2 themes, 6 main categories, and 21 subcategories emerged. The themes were "Maternal empowerment" and "Pleasant prenatal care." The first theme included four categories: knowledge enhancement, improving self-efficacy, perceived support, and feeling of security. The second theme was composed of 2 categories: motivation and effective interaction with peers.

Conclusion: The findings of this study show the effectiveness of group prenatal care in promoting feelings of empowerment and satisfaction of adolescent pregnant women. Further research is needed to assess the benefits of group prenatal care for adolescents in Iran and other populations.

Keywords: Adolescent pregnancy; Empowerment; Group prenatal care; Qualitative research.