Empowering Adolescent Mothers: A Critical Strategy for Ensuring the Health of the Future Generation

Articles in Press

Document Type : policy brief

Authors

1 گروه مامایی و بهداشت باروری، دانشکده پرستاری و مامایی، دانشگاه علوم پزشکی اصفهان، اصفهان، ایران

2 استاد، مرکز تحقیقات علوم باروری و سلامت جنسی ، گروه مامایی و بهداشت باروری، دانشگاه علوم پزشکی اصفهان، اصفهان، ایران

3 استاد، سلامت اجتماعی، گروه آموزش بهداشت و ارتقا سلامت، دانشگاه علوم پزشکی اصفهان، اصفهان، ایران

4 دانشیار، گروه روانشناسی، دانشگاه زنجان، زنجان، ایران

10.48305/jims.2025.45597.2624

Abstract

This report aims to provide practical strategies to enhance the self-efficacy of adolescent mothers in caring for themselves and their children. Teenage pregnancy is a multidimensional challenge whose consequences affect both maternal health and child development. Qualitative research findings showed that interventions based on strengthening self-efficacy can significantly improve adjustment to the role of motherhood and improve the quality of care. Four policy options were proposed in the report based on the qualitative study findings, each with its own advantages and challenges. “Integrating the program into the current health service structure” was identified as the most efficient strategy, as it uses existing infrastructure and has broad coverage. However, the success of this strategy depends on specialized training of staff and the allocation of sufficient financial resources. Peer education programs are also a good option for urban areas because they build trust and support networks among adolescents. Family-centered education, although it has good long-term results, requires more time to change cultural attitudes. Finally, targeted financial support, which can be useful, requires the design of careful monitoring mechanisms, given the challenges of bureaucracy and dependence on government funding. The successful implementation of these programs requires intersectoral collaboration, sustainable resource allocation, and continuous monitoring. These strategies include the establishment of a policy-making council, the design of national adolescent-friendly service packages, the revision of school regulations to support continued education, the reform of medical and midwifery curricula, and collaboration with media outlets and cultural institutions

Highlights

Samaneh Youseflu: Google Scholar 

Shanaz Kohan: Google Scholar 

Firoozeh Mostafavi: Google Scholar

Majid Yousefi Afrashteh: Google Scholar 

Keywords

Main Subjects

Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 07 October 2025

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History

  • Receive Date: 25 August 2025
  • Accept Date: 30 August 2025

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