The impact of support services on the mental well-being of teenage mothers at Jinja Pregnancy Care Center
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Date
2026-06-11
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Uganda Christian University
Abstract
The study assessed the influence of support services on the mental health of young mothers attending Jinja Pregnancy Care Centre. In particular, the objectives were to evaluate the influence of psychological support services, to study the impact of health support services and to assess the function of social support services on the mental well-being of adolescent mothers. A study was done on 63 respondents and data was obtained using questionnaires and
interviews. The results indicated that psychological support services had a mixed effect. 54%of the respondents believed that counseling helps in managing stress, anxiety and depression and 62% said that it lowers loneliness. But 75% disagreed that it improved self-esteem and confidence, showing gaps in efficacy. Health support services were generally positive with 56% saying that prenatal and postnatal care reduces anxiety and 80% felt that access to healthcare providers brings reassurance and emotional comfort. However, 56% disagreed that health education enhances confidence in managing pregnancy and childcare. The most significant impact was from social support services, with 37% of respondents receiving assistance from family, 25% from partners and 21% from NGOs, underscoring the importance of social networks in increasing emotional stability and coping abilities. Overall, the study reveals that the support services have a good impact on the mental health of teenage moms although the effectiveness of these programs varies with major inadequacies in psychological empowerment and health education. To boost the long-term mental well-being of young moms, the study suggests the government should improve integrated support systems by upgrading the quality of counselling services, boosting practical health education, and increasing community-based and peer support programs.
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Undergraduate