Locus of control among pregnant adolescents and its relation to health outcomes

Abstract

Background: Adolescent pregnancy is a global societal issue that affects mothers and their unborn children, particularly in underdeveloped nations. The danger of teenage in both industrialized and developing nations, pregnancy and its consequences continue to be a public health concern because they increase the risk of morbidity and mortality in mothers and newborns. Aims: This study aims to identify the level of control of pregnant adolescents regarding their health and pregnancy outcomes, to identify different and effective ways used by adolescents pregnant to control about health and pregnancy outcomes, and to identify the complication results from pregnancy in adolescents’ age. Methodology: Descriptive, cross sectional study, Researchers made questionnaire about assess the pregnant adolescents about control of their health and pregnancy outcomes was given sample of (100) pregnant adolescents from Private clinics in AlNasiriyah City, the collection data analysis by using SPSS, Descriptive result were expressed as frequency and percentage Means score, SD, p-value and correlation. Results: Our study revealed that average age for pregnant adolescents is 17.7±1 year, the majority of participants 52% of them within age group of 18-19 year, and there is a significant association between locus of control and previous abortion among pregnant adolescents at p-value=.031. Conclusion: Based on the results presented in the article, it can be concluded that Pregnant adolescent girls display a complex set of beliefs about controlling fetal health outcomes, Pregnant adolescent girls are associated with moderate levels of internal beliefs related to coincidence, Pregnant adolescent girls show high levels of beliefs regarding powerful others. Recommendations: Based on the results of the present study, the researcher recommends tailored interventions because Interventions aimed at supporting pregnant adolescents should take into account their beliefs about control over fetal health outcomes.