Mental Health And Coping Strategies Of Teenage Mothers In The Kavango Regions

ABSTRACT 

The aim of this study is to assess the mental health, investigate the challenges and coping strategies of teenage mothers in the two Kavango regions, namely Kavango East and Kavango West. The main focus of the study is to investigate, whether young schooling mothers show symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Furthermore, the study seeks to explore the extent of these symptoms and any other psychological or social challenges. Finally, the study seeks to explore methods used in coping with these challenges. The population sample consist of teenage mothers aged between 14 to 19 years, a sample size of seventy-two (72) participants. Thirty (30) participants were selected from Kavango East and the other thirty (30) from Kavango West. Three (3) combined and senior secondary schools were selected per region. A process of systematic random sampling was used to select a total number of 10 participants per school. In addition, two (2) focus groups each consisting of six (6) participants were selected in each region. A triangulation method of quantitative (close-ended) and qualitative (open-ended) methods was used to collect the data. For the quantitative data, a self-report 42-item Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) was used to measure symptoms of three variables, namely: depression, anxiety and stress. For the qualitative data, semi structured interviews were conducted with participants in the two focus groups.  The results indicate themes of regret, guilt, worry, chronic sadness, symptoms of moderate to severe depression, anxiety and stress, stigma and limited or a lack of financial and emotional support. It is therefore recommended that there is access to psychotherapy and/or counselling services in schools and in communities and teenage mothers’ clubs. Furthermore, it is recommended that flexible learning environments are created, moreover, provision of day care facilities to help minimizethe varying stress experienced which consequently affect school performance.  knowledge, attitude, practice and responsiveness of males towards voluntary medical male circumcision in Zambezi Region. This was a cross sectional study among men from 15 years and older in five randomly selected constituencies of Zambezi Region. Participants were selected using probability sampling method. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and was entered into Microsoft excel sheet and analyzed with Epi-info 7.2 software. Frequencies and proportions were generated and bivariate analysis were performed to determine associations. A total number of 379 participants were involved in the study. Most participants were between the age group of 20-29 years 124 (33%). Majority of participants 292 (77%) resides in rural area, mostly in Linyanti constituency 144(38%). Most participants indicated being single 256 (68%), and a total of 365 (95%) can read and write. Majority had adequate knowledge 354(95%) and positive attitudes 330 (87%) towards VMMC. Association of circumcision status with level of knowledge (OR=0.1, CL=0.08-0.50) pvalue=0.0004, type of attitude (OR= 0.1, CL= 0.07-0.29) p-value= 0.0001 and this was all significant. This study concluded that participants had adequate knowledge and positive attitudes towards VMMC, however there are some men with lack of knowledge and negative attitudes towards the VMMC program. Therefore, the study recommends for more education and awareness campaigns on VMMC in order to facilitate behavior change among this group and enhance the performance of the VMMC program in the region.