Ghanaian Pregnant Adolescents and Adolescent Mothers Face Significant Nutritional Challenges Impacting Their and Their Infants’ Health

A recent study in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavioropens in new tab/window, published by Elsevier, explores the nutrition perspectives and attitudes of Ghanaian pregnant adolescents and adolescent mothers. The studyopens in new tab/window sheds light on significant challenges, including food insecurity, economic constraints, and cultural influences, that impact the dietary habits and health of young mothers and their infants.

Researchers conducted a qualitative, community-based cross-sectional study in nine communities across three municipalities and two districts in Ghana’s Central Region. Using focus group discussions, they gathered insights from 35 participants, including 13 pregnant adolescents and 22 adolescent mothers aged 12 to 19. The study utilized Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis framework to identify key themes shaping nutritional choices and challenges.

Lead author Christiana Naa Astreh Nsiah-Asamoah, PhD, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana, explained, “The findings of this study offer insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers focused on maternal and child health, especially within socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. For professionals in healthcare and community support roles, the study highlights the importance of creating tailored nutrition education programs that address the specific needs and circumstances of pregnant adolescents and adolescent mothers.”

Five central themes emerged: health and well-being, infant nutrition, dietary habits, nutrition information sources, and social support. The findings revealed that adolescent mothers tend to diverge from recommended practices for infant and young child feeding. Economic limitations often led adolescent mothers to rely on less nutritious street foods, while many found exclusive breastfeeding for six months impractical, opting instead for complementary feeding. Limited access to nutrition education and inconsistent social support further compounded these challenges.

The study highlights the importance of strengthening nutrition education programs, improving access to affordable healthy foods, and enhancing community-based support systems to empower young mothers in making informed dietary decisions.

Notes for editors

The article is "Nutrition Perspectives and Attitudes Among Ghanaian Pregnant Adolescents and Adolescent Mothers," by Christiana Naa Astreh Nsiah-Asamoah, PhD; Safianu Osman Aleboko, BSc; Esther Darkwa Entwi, BSc; Moses Kwashie Klevor, PhD; Emmanuel Ayifah, PhD; and Harriet Okronipa, PhD (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneb.2024.12.012opens in new tab/window). It appears in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, volume 57, issue 4 (April 2025), published by Elsevier.

The article is openly available at https://www.jneb.org/article/S1499-4046(25)00002-8/fulltextopens in new tab/window.

Full text of the article is also available to credentialed journalists upon request; contact Eileen Leahy at 732 406 1313 or [email protected]opens in new tab/window to obtain a copy. To schedule an interview with the author(s), please contact Christiana Naa Astreh Nsiah-Asamoah, PhD, University of Cape Coast, at [email protected]opens in new tab/window.

The authors would like to acknowledge that this study was supported by funding from Oklahoma State University. The authors thank the study communities and participants for their participation in the study. In addition, the authors thank the Healthy Adolescent Nutrition in Ghana research team, including Nicholas Fergusson Russell, Pius Sarfo Buobu, Diana Okyere, Paschallina Dabirfaa, and Juliet Parku, for their role in data collection; Ebenezer Adjetey for their role in electronic data collection; and Joshua Okyere for their training on how to analyze qualitative data.

An audio podcast featuring an interview with Harriet Okronipa, PhD, and other information for journalists are available at https://www.jneb.org/content/mediaopens in new tab/window. Excerpts from the podcast may be reproduced by the media with permission from Eileen Leahy.

About the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior (JNEB)

The Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior (JNEB), the official journal of the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior (SNEB), is a refereed, scientific periodical that serves as a resource for all professionals with an interest in nutrition education and dietary/physical activity behaviors. The purpose of JNEB is to document and disseminate original research, emerging issues, and practices relevant to nutrition education and behavior worldwide and to promote healthy, sustainable food choices. It supports the society’s efforts to disseminate innovative nutrition education strategies, and communicate information on food, nutrition, and health issues to students, professionals, policy makers, targeted audiences, and the public.

The Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior features articles that provide new insights and useful findings related to nutrition education research, practice, and policy. The content areas of JNEB reflect the diverse interests of health, nutrition, education, Cooperative Extension, and other professionals working in areas related to nutrition education and behavior. As the Society's official journal, JNEB also includes occasional policy statements, issue perspectives, and member communications. www.jneb.orgopens in new tab/window

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