Mapping the contextual mental health interventions for perinatal adolescent mothers with self-reported common mental symptoms (anxiety and depression) in sub-Saharan African countries: a scoping review

Abstract

Introduction: Early preventive interventions may support adolescent mothers’ mental health during the perinatal period. However, adolescent maternal mental health interventions have received little empirical research attention. This scoping review maps the evidence on interventions appropriate for adolescent mothers during the perinatal period in Sub-Saharan African countries.

Methods: The process was guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute’s methodology for scoping reviews. Five databases, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycInfo, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and ProQuest, were searched for citations of studies published from 2000. The reporting is according to Preferred Reporting for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA).

Results: The initial search of databases resulted in 2 757 records. After duplicates were removed, 311 records were screened, and eight records included. Interventions included five key strategies: cognitive behavioural therapy; group problem-solving; psychoeducation; psychosocial group counselling; and integrated mothers and babies course and early childhood development group-based intervention. None of the interventions specifically targeted adolescent mothers, however.

Discussion and conclusion: There is limited evidence of interventions specific to adolescent mothers. There is a need for the development, implementation and evaluation of specific interventions relevant to this population group.

Keywords:

• preventive
• mental-health promotion
• mental disorders
• young mothers
• early interventions