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. 2025 Jul 25;22(1):134.
doi: 10.1186/s12978-025-02081-3.

Psychosocial support during pregnancy: perceptions and expectations among pregnant teenagers in Ahvaz, Iran-a qualitative content analysis

Setareh Yousefi  1 , Simin Montazeri  2 , Nahid Javadifar  3 , Saeed Ghanbari  4
Affiliations

Psychosocial support during pregnancy: perceptions and expectations among pregnant teenagers in Ahvaz, Iran-a qualitative content analysis

Setareh Yousefi et al. Reprod Health. .

Erratum in

Abstract

Background: Teenage pregnancy remains a major global concern, with profound effects on young mothers and their families. Understanding the specific needs and expectations of pregnant adolescents regarding psychosocial support is crucial for developing effective interventions. This study explores how pregnant adolescents perceive and what they expect from psychosocial support during pregnancy.

Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in Ahvaz, Iran, from 2023 to 2024. Participants were selected using purposive sampling to ensure maximum diversity and included pregnant adolescents, family members, and healthcare providers. Data were gathered through 30 semi-structured, in-depth interviews and analyzed using conventional qualitative content analysis with MAXQDA 2020 software. To enhance validity, member checking was employed, allowing participants to verify the accuracy of the interpretations. Reliability was ensured by applying a consistent coding framework across all interviews.

Results: The analysis revealed three major themes: Challenges and Burdens- Participants reported societal stigma, emotional instability, limited family support, autonomy conflicts, and health issues, highlighting a disconnect between societal expectations and their lived realities. Positive Experiences and Adaptations- Despite challenges, many adolescents described resilience, the joy of motherhood, emotional bonding, personal growth, and improved spousal relationships. These experiences underscore the importance of strengths-based psychosocial support. Support and Intervention Needs- Participants emphasized the need for tailored education, active family involvement, and culturally sensitive healthcare to provide holistic care for pregnant adolescents.

Conclusions: These findings highlight the urgent need for culturally tailored interventions that address the unique developmental and psychosocial needs of adolescent mothers. Effective strategies should include targeted education, accessible counseling, active family engagement, and specialized training for healthcare providers. Implementing a comprehensive, strengths-based support framework is essential to promote the well-being and resilience of this vulnerable population.

Keywords: Adolescents; Maternal health; Perception; Psychosocial support; Qualitative study; Teenage pregnancy.

Plain language summary

This study explores the experiences of pregnant teenage girls in Ahvaz, Iran, with a focus on the challenges they face and the support they require. Teenage pregnancy often brings emotional, social, and economic difficulties that can adversely affect both the young mother and her baby’s well-being. Many of the adolescents in this study expressed a pressing need for emotional and social support to help them navigate the pressures of pregnancy.The findings indicate that pregnant teenagers frequently experience anxiety, depression, and limited social support. Despite these challenges, many also reported positive developments, including personal growth and strengthened family relationships. Support from spouses and family members emerged as a critical factor in alleviating stress and enhancing the self-confidence of these young mothers.The study underscores the importance of developing support programs specifically tailored to the unique needs of pregnant adolescents. Providing pre-pregnancy education and access to psychological counseling can significantly enhance their quality of life. The findings also emphasize the need for coordinated efforts among families, communities, and healthcare providers to promote better health outcomes for both the adolescents and their babies, while fostering more positive prospects for their futures.Overall, this research shows that meeting the emotional and social needs of pregnant adolescents is vital for promoting their reproductive health and improving pregnancy outcomes.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Science (IR.AJUMS.REC.1402.140). We will ask for permission from all the participants before including them in the study. We will draft a comprehensive consent form for all research participants. The form will contain a clear and concise explanation of the research, and participants will be required to read, complete, and sign the form. In addition to obtaining permission to record interviews, measures will be implemented to ensure the confidentiality of all information and the anonymity of individuals involved in the study and its findings. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

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