Cultural practices supporting early motherhood in a Ghanaian community

This study explored cultural practices and beliefs in a study area in Ghana that encourage teenage girls into motherhood unintendedly. An exploratory design was used. Thirty teenage mothers and twenty-two opinion leaders participated in fieldwork conducted between October 2018 and February 2019. Data were analysed using an inductive approach. Four themes became apparent: fear of being cursed for having an abortion; sleeping arrangements; funerals and wakes; and practices of cohabitation in the study area. Cultural practices contribute to teenage motherhood in the Adaklu District of Ghana. Programmes, interventions and policies should be designed to take into consideration the needs, contexts, and backgrounds of teenagers. Future programmes to enhance teenagers ability to avoid teenage pregnancy and motherhood should consider factors such as the family, the person, the community, institutions, and national and international influences.PMID:38568135 | DOI:10.1080/13691058.2024.2334935
Source: Culture, Health and Sexuality - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Authors: Source Type: research