Evaluating the Acceptability and Feasibility of a Life Skills Training Intervention for Adolescent Mothers in Korogocho, Kenya

Abstract

In Kenya, as in many sub-Saharan African countries, early childbearing has detrimental effects on the health and social and economic well-being of girls and women. Despite the profound impact of adolescent childbearing on girls' education, health, and social well-being, there are relatively few studies that have rigorously tested interventions that support the health and social well-being of adolescent mothers and their children. To inform the design of a multi-component intervention targeting adolescent mothers, we conducted a feasibility study to assess whether a life skills training intervention developed for use in Malawi and Burkina Faso was acceptable and appropriate for use among adolescent mothers in Korogocho, an informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya. The focus group discussions with the adolescent mothers and mentors showed that they found the life skills curriculum, originally designed for use in Malawi and Burkina Faso, acceptable, relevant, useful, and suitable for adolescent mothers residing in Korogocho. They highlighted the curriculum's focus on the daily issues and challenges faced by adolescent mothers living in this setting. Although the curriculum was considered relevant, the adolescent mothers and mentors suggested adding or expanding certain topics to enhance its comprehensiveness. Their recommendations include expanding the mental health module to include types, signs, causes, and coping mechanisms for mental health challenges, and inclusion of information on fibroids, cysts, cervical cancer, parenting skills, first aid, communication skills, entrepreneurial skills, self-awareness, menstruation, and managing pregnancy.