Self-management Experiences, Facilitators, and Barriers of Pregnant Adolescents in Health Care: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Adolescent pregnancy is associated with increased health risks for both mothers and infants. At the same time, pregnant adolescents often face limited health knowledge, inadequate support, and barriers to accessing services making health self-management essential. This descriptive qualitative study aimed to explore pregnant adolescents’ experiences with health self-management, including key facilitating factors and barriers. Purposive sampling was used to recruit pregnant adolescents aged 14–19 years who attended antenatal care clinics in Chainat Province, Thailand. Data were collected using a demographic information form, semi-structured in-depth interviews, and field notes. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis following Graneheim and Lundman’s approach. Sixteen participants were interviewed. Five themes emerged: (1) From shock to embracing the maternal role, (2) Keeping health manageable amid real-life constraints, (3) Dare to go, dare to ask, dare to return, (4) Emotional support or added pressure, and (5) Digital as both a shortcut and a trap. Overall, the findings reflect a transition toward motherhood, regulation of health behaviors, and negotiation within family/partner relationships and the broader social context. Antenatal care services, family/partners, and digital technologies are all facilitators and risk factors shaping health decision-making and behaviors. Adolescent-friendly antenatal care should be strengthened by ensuring confidential counseling spaces and enhancing health and digital information literacy to support continuity of care and improve maternal and infant health outcomes.