An Innovative Teen-Centered Antenatal Care Model Compared to Standard Antenatal Care in Jamaica
The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of pregnant adolescent mothers visiting two antenatal clinics in Jamaica. Findings of focus group interviews held at a standard clinic and a teen-centered clinic were compared in terms of feelings and experiences, coping strategies, strengths, hopes and challenges faced, desires and needs or future plans, as well as perceptions of the community and healthcare provided. The teens described feelings of disappointment, sadness, betrayal, persecution, as well as renewed maternal support, strength and determination to complete school. The significance of maternal support to female adolescent mental health and resilience demonstrated in this study supports previous international research. A “Psycho-Social Determinants of Maternal Adolescent Health Model” is introduced that provided guidance for the thematic analysis of study findings. Innovation in the infrastructure of the teen-centered clinic, expansion of the roles and philosophy of the staff, as well as a structured group prenatal care delivery model are all innovations that may support the Jamaican maternity care system in achieving the Post-2015 Universal World Health Organization Goals for health.
