Promoting Holistic Health and Wellbeing of Pregnant and Parenting Adolescents and Their Children in Africa: A Life Course Model

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.Overall, the curriculum implementation is feasible and acceptable, underscoring its relevance for use in similar settings. In addition, the additional suggested topics showcase the unique needs of adolescent mothers that need to be incorporated into a life skills curriculum targeting them. iv