Teenage Pregnancy and Family Support: A Qualitative Study of Young Women's Experiences in Arusha

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the experiences of young women who became teenage mothers in Arusha, Tanzania, with a particular focus on the role of family support during pregnancy and early motherhood. The study is based on semi-structured interviews with eight women aged 18-24 who became mothers at 17 or 18. Using thematic analysis, the research examines how social, cultural, and economic factors shape family support dynamics and how these, in turn, influence the young mothers’ resilience, self-perception, and coping strategies. Drawing on perspectives on social support from Cohen & Wills’ (1985) and Thoits’ (1995, 2011), the study highlights how different forms of support from family members can buffer the psychological stress associated with early motherhood. The quality and accessibility of support are shaped by relational dynamics, cultural expectations, and financial circumstances, all of which affect the young women’s well-being and identity. The findings underscore the importance of comprehensive and context-sensitive support in promoting positive adjustment and reducing the negative effects of stigma. They also show that support from both nuclear and extended family members played a crucial role in enabling these young women to navigate the challenges of early motherhood. While the findings largely align with existing literature on teenage motherhood and social support in the African context, this study offers new insights into the specific socio-cultural dynamics of Tanzanian society. It underscores the importance of culturally adapted support interventions aimed at strengthening family-based support systems for young women in similar contexts.