Peer-reviewed article
Understanding the Social Environmental Influences on Pregnancy and Planning for Pregnancy for Young Women in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Chiwoneso B Tinago, Lucy Annang Ingram, Edward A Frongillo, David Simmons, Christine E Blake et al. ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This qualitative study explored how social and cultural factors influence pregnancy and family planning decisions among young women aged 14-24 in Harare, Zimbabwe. Researchers interviewed 24 community stakeholders including healthcare workers, teachers, family members, and community leaders from two low-income areas. The study found that pregnancy is deeply embedded in cultural practices, shaped by views on women's roles, marriage, patriarchal norms, and community support systems. The research highlights the importance of incorporating cultural understanding and women's social networks into maternal health programs.
Key points
- Pregnancy holds cultural significance as central to women's roles in the community and fulfillment of marriage
- Cultural practice of 'pregnancy silence' exists to prevent adverse outcomes and stigmatize adolescent and out-of-wedlock pregnancies
- Patriarchal cultural structures significantly influence pregnancy-related decisions and practices
- Community and family support systems play an important role during pregnancy
- Women's social networks substantially influence pregnancy-related decisions and practices
Limitations
This qualitative study involved only 24 community stakeholders and did not directly interview young women themselves about their experiences, limiting understanding of how young women personally experience and navigate these social influences. The findings are specific to two low-income communities in Harare and may not represent all contexts in Zimbabwe or other countries.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Social environmental influences on pregnancy-related practices and outcomes have been studied, yet few studies explore these influences qualitatively from the perspectives of women's personal social networks and the larger social networks that exist within their communities. This study sought to understand and describe the social environment related to pregnancy and planning for pregnancy in Harare, Zimbabwe from the perspectives of women's social networks, and its influence on pregnancy-related decisions and practices. METHODS: Semi-structured, in-depth, qualitative interviews were conducted in both Shona and English with 24 key community stakeholders (6 healthcare workers, 6 school teachers, 6 family members of females aged 14-24 years, and 6 community leaders) who lived or worked in 2 low-income, high-density communities in Harare. Data were analyzed thematically using NVivo 10 software. RESULTS: The social environment related to pregnancy and planning for pregnancy described by participants was deeply rooted in culture and cultural practices and centered on four themes: (1) pregnancy importance to the role of a woman in the community and the fulfillment of marriage, (2) pregnancy silence to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes and adolescent and out of wedlock pregnancies, (3) patriarchal pregnancy culture, and (4) community support during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: Maternal health efforts in Zimbabwe should acknowledge cultural influences on pregnancy and address pregnancy silence to improve reproductive health communication, empower women to be partners in the pregnancy decision-making process, and include women's social networks.