Young women’s social support networks during pregnancy in Soweto, South Africa

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dc.article.end-page2928
dc.article.start-page2071
dc.contributor.authorNorris, Shane A.
dc.contributor.authorMabetha, Kuthala
dc.contributor.authorSoepnel, Larske M.
dc.contributor.authorKlingberg, Sonja
dc.contributor.authorMabena, Gugulethu
dc.contributor.authorMotlhatlhedi, Molebogeng
dc.contributor.authorDraper, Catherine E.
dc.date.accessioned2024-08-07T10:17:02Z
dc.date.available2024-08-07T10:17:02Z
dc.date.issued2024-04
dc.departmentPaediatrics
dc.description.abstractBackground: Although studies from high-income countries have examined social support during pregnancy, it remains unclear what type of support is received by expectant mothers from low- and middle-income country settings. Aim: To explore young women’s social support networks during pregnancy in Soweto, South Africa. Setting: This study was undertaken in an academic hospital based in the Southwestern Townships (Soweto), Johannesburg, in Gauteng province, South Africa. Methods: An exploratory descriptive qualitative approach was employed. Eighteen (18) young pregnant women were recruited using a purposive sampling approach. In-depth interviews were conducted, and data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Analysis of the data resulted in the development of two superordinate themes namely; (1) relationships during pregnancy and (2) network involvement. Involvement of the various social networks contributed greatly to the young women having a greater sense of potential parental efficacy and increased acceptance of their pregnancies. Pregnant women who receive sufficient social support from immediate networks have increased potential to embrace and give attention to pregnancy-related changes. Conclusion: Focusing on less-examined characteristics that could enhance pregnant women’s health could help in the reduction of deaths that arise because of pregnancy complications and contribute in globally accelerating increased accessibility to adequate reproductive health. Contribution: This study’s findings emphasise the necessity for policymakers and healthcare providers to educate the broader community about the importance of partner, family and peer support to minimise risks that may affect pregnancy care and wellbeing of mothers.
dc.description.sponsorshipSouth African Medical Research Council.
dc.description.sponsorshipCanadian Institutes of Health Research.
dc.description.sponsorshipSouth African DSI/NRF Centre of Excellence in Human Development.
dc.description.submitterPM2024
dc.facultyFaculty of Health Sciences
dc.identifier0000-0001-7124-3788
dc.identifier.citationMabetha K, Soepnel LM, Klingberg S, et al. Young women’s social support networks during pregnancy in Soweto, South Africa. Afr J Prm Health Care Fam Med. 2024;16(1), a4146. https:// doi.org/10.4102/phcfm. v16i1.4146
dc.identifier.issn2071-2928 (print)
dc.identifier.issn2071-2936 (online)
dc.identifier.other10.4102/phcfm. v16i1.4146
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10539/40017
dc.journal.titleAfrican Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherOASIS
dc.rights© 2024. The Authors. Licensee: AOSIS. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.
dc.schoolSchool of Clinical Medicine
dc.subjectSocial support
dc.subjectPregnancy care
dc.subjectWellbeing
dc.subjectMaternal health
dc.subjectSoweto
dc.subjectSouth Africa
dc.subject.otherSDG-3: Good health and well-being
dc.subject.otherSDG-17: Partnerships for the goals
dc.titleYoung women’s social support networks during pregnancy in Soweto, South Africa
dc.typeArticle
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