Health Needs and Problems of Teenage Mothers Regarding Health Care of Their Infants

Abstract

A teenager year refers those between 13-19 years of age, and is a period of transition from childhood to adulthood, during which enormous physical and psychological changes occur (Berk, 2012). A teenage mother is an adolescent or teenage female with a live baby. Teenage mothers are not prepared for responsibilities of raising a child. Physically, socially, culturally, emotionally, psychologically, spiritually, economically and educationally they are also not ready for these responsibilities as well as being teenage mothers. Therefore they encounter problems which in many cases influence the quality of their life and future plans (Claiborne&Drewery, 2010). Teenage motherhood has been associated with problems such as low self-efficacy, poor knowledge of infant development, increased stress and depression and insecure and disorganized attachment patterns. These patterns highlight the potential for infant protection involvement and early interventions, but care should be taken when generalizing since problems associated with teen motherhood may be caused (Berry and Hall, 2009). Infancy is defined as the period from one month till one year of life. The 12months may be the most dynamic period of life. Dramatic changes are tacking place in all areas of growth and development (American Medical Association, 2009). Every infant has psychosocial needs that are met mothers also have needs, which are usually psychological and educational. Furthermore, teenage mothers need to learn about their infant for loving care, nutrition, safety, cleanliness, clothing and health care (Mark, 2013). Aim of study To assess health needs and problems of teenage mothers regarding health Care of Their Infants. Subject and Methods Setting: The study was conducted in:-MCH centers (Health Center El Demerdash- Health Center El Azab) located in Cairo governorate. Subjects: The sample comprised of randomly 286 of teenage