A study to determine the relationship between pregnancy and knowledge of pregnancy related complications among adolescents aged 13 to 19 years in Marondera urban.

Abstract

Adolescents’ pregnancy is a global concern because they are biologically and emotionally immature. Pregnancy predisposes them to pregnancy related complications. Knowledge on pregnancy related complications are of importance to empower and promote good health behaviour in adolescents. The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between pregnancy and pregnancy related complications among adolescents. A revised Health Promotions Model (HPM) by Pender N. (1996) was used as the guiding framework. A descriptive correlation study design was used with the pregnancy as the dependent variable and knowledge of pregnancy related complications as the independent variable. A sample size of 66 adolescents pregnant and with children was randomly selected. The sample size was estimated using power analysis, power .80, medium effects size of 0.05 and the significance level of 0.5. A structured interview schedule with three sections questions namely demographic data, pregnancy and knowledge of pregnancy related complications utilizing face to face interview was carried out to obtain data. Data was analysed using statistical package of social sciences (SPSS). Descriptive and inferential statistics (Pearson Moment Product, Correlation Co-efficient) was used to determine the relationship. The results of the study indicated that 11(16.7%) were pregnant at the time of the interview. 54(81.8%) had one child while 1 (1.5%) had two children. The birth interval was 63 (95.5%) had only one child, 2(3.0%) had a birth interval of one year while 1 (1.5%) birth interval was two years. With regards to knowledge of pregnancy related complications 39(59.1%) had no information while 27(40.1%) knew the pregnancy related complications. The study showed a weak negative significance between pregnancy and knowledge of pregnancy related complications. Recommendations were made to add to the body of knowledge in Maternal and Child Welfare/Midwifery.