Perceptions of Accredited Social Health Activists Regarding Teenage Pregnancy: A Qualitative Study in a Rural Area of West Bengal, India
Journal Title: Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research - Year 2017, Vol 11, Issue 12
Abstract
Introduction: Teenage pregnancy is one of the most important social and public health problems all over the world. Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) may play a substantial role to reduce the magnitude of the problem. Aim: To understand the perceptions of ASHAs regarding teenage pregnancy and its preventive measures. Materials and Methods: This was a qualitative study which included 10 ASHAs in Singur block. A focussed group discussion guide was prepared with following themes-Theme 1: Knowledge of teenage pregnancy, legal age of marriage and pregnancy, Theme 2: Burden of teenage pregnancy, Theme 3: Reasons behind teenage pregnancy, Theme 4: Harmful effects of teenage pregnancy, Theme 5: Role of health workers in reducing burden of teenage pregnancy, Theme 6: Role of government in reducing burden of teenage pregnancy and Theme 7: Suggestions for reducing burden of teenage pregnancy. The analysis of the reports was done thematically. Results: It was found that teenage pregnancy though reported less in past few years still exist in the rural society. The main reasons reported for such finding was lack of education, lack of awareness about ill effects of teenage pregnancy, lack of women empowerment, early marriage, poor knowledge of family planning services etc. ASHAs said that it may be reduced by means of personal counselling, women empowerment, monthly awareness meetings, provision of sex education at school level, intersectorial coordination at all levels of health care delivery system and provision of more stringent law against early marriages. Sociogram shows fair amount of participation that strengthen the study results. Conclusion: The study revealed that burden of teenage pregnancy is though low but still exists. ASHAs highlighted facts regarding teenage pregnancy and their laid suggestions which may help policy makers to design suitable interventions and conduct further study with broader conceptual framework in future.
Authors and Affiliations
Aritra Bhattacharyya, Bijit Biswas, Shobhit Garg, Atanu Dey, Aparajita Dasgupta
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP367711
- DOI 10.7860/JCDR/2017/31103.10991
- Views 76
- Downloads 0
Quantitative Analysis of Remineralization of Artificial Carious Lesions with Commercially Available Newer Remineralizing Agents Using SEM-EDX- In Vitro Study”
Introduction: The basic principle of remineralization is by advocating a biological or non-invasive approach rather than the surgical approach for early enamel lesions. There are relatively newer products available for r...
Evaluation of Liver Stiffness in Healthy Individuals by Sonoelastography
Introduction: Successfully detecting and managing Liver Fibrosis (LF) at an early phase can significantly improve the prognosis of patients in clinical practice; therefore, accurately assessing the degree of fibrosis whe...
A Cutaneous Ciliated Cyst Mımicking a Pilonidal Cyst
ABSTRACT Cutaneous Ciliated Cyst (CCC) is a benign tumor encountered especially in the upper extremities and the perineal area in young women after puberty. CCC is located in the subcutaneous tissue in deep dermis, and...
Neoumbilicoplasty in a Laparoscopic Port Site: Description of a New Technique and Review of Literature
The umbilicus contributes significantly to the cosmetic appearance of the abdomen especially in women. Loss of umbilicus may result not only in cosmetic disfigurement but also in significant psychological effects. Omphal...
Assessment of Degree of Difficulty in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy using Intraoperative Scoring System
Introduction: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the most commonly performed minimally invasive surgery. But in every patient, there are different types of difficulties in performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy and...