Reflections on lived experiences of teenage mothers in a Ghanaian setting: a phenomenological study

Figures & data

Table 1. Codes and themes from narratives

Thematic areas	Instrumental learning lived experiences(Focuses on problem-solving-oriented tasks which evaluate the causes and effects of relationships)	Communicative learning lived experiences(Focuses on how people evince their feelings, needs, and desires)
Codes	School dropout/Being able to go back to school Engagement in apprenticeship Involvement in farming activities/ menial jobs Support from my father and mother, or grandparent	Disrespectful to family, and community members Runaway or irresponsible baby father Victim of rape

Table 2. Socio-demographic characteristics of participants

Variable	Frequency	Percent
Ethnicity
Ewe	29	93
Dagomba	1	0.3
Religion
Christian	29	96.6
Muslim	1	0.3
Marital Status
Never Married	24	96.6
Co-habitation	6	20
Age
15	1	3.3
16	3	10
17	3	10
18	10	33.3
19	13	43.3
Educational Level
No formal Education	1	3.33
Primary Level	20	66
Basic Level	7	23.3
Secondary School	2	6.7
Number of Children
One child	25	83.3
Two children	4	13.3
Three Children	1	3.3

Figure 1. Picture of a stick on a cement floor.

“It means I won’t grow again(19-year-old teenage mother, Adwoa)”

Figure 2. A picture of stacked concrete blocks. Her Struggles in life is like the weight of these blocks [16-year-old teenage mother, Yaa].

Figure 3. A picture of a red cloth.

“Red cloth signifies how much she has cried for her eyes toturn red” [17-year-old teenage mother, Nhyira]

Figure 4. Picture of a tree by the river side.

Their lives will never be shaky. Life still goes on(Collective photo voices, a group of seven girls)

Figure 5. Picture of a white sheet of paper.

Finding themselves in a better life[Collective photo voice].

Figure 6. A picture of an electric plug and socket.

I have tasted life and I am ready to move on to be better in future.

Figure 7. Picture of a Lantern.

Shining star of the family [19-Year-old teenage mother, Joyceline].