Health

Speak Wednesday

Health, HIV/AIDS, Speak Wednesday, Women / cfhinitiative

WOMEN AND GIRLS, HIV/AIDS

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) which can be transmitted through contact with infected blood, semen or vaginal fluids.

According to AVERT (2020), since the start of the global HIV epidemic, women in many regions have been disproportionately affected by HIV. Today, women constitute more than half of all people living with HIV, and AIDS-related illnesses remain the leading cause of death for women aged between 15 and 49. Young women (aged 15-24), and adolescent girls (aged 10-19) in particular, account for a disproportionate number of new HIV infections. In 2017, 7,000 adolescent girls and young women became HIV-positive. This is a far higher rate than new infections among young men, with young women twice as likely to acquire HIV as their male peers.

Also AVERT (2020) states that in sub-Saharan Africa, despite making up just 10% of the population, one out of every five new HIV infections happens among adolescent girls and young women. In the worse-affected countries, 80% of new HIV infections among adolescents are among girls, who are up to eight times more likely to be living with HIV than adolescent boys. It is estimated that around 50 adolescent girls die every day from AIDS-related illnesses. Nigeria has the second largest HIV epidemic in the world. Although HIV prevalence among adults is much less (1.3%) than other sub-Saharan African countries such as South Africa (19%) and Zambia (11.5%), the size of Nigeria’s population means 1.8 million people were living with HIV in 2019. According to United Nations AIDS (UNAIDS), Nigeria has the second largest HIV epidemic in the world and one of the highest rates of new infection in sub-Saharan Africa.

In the article “How does HIV/AIDS affect women” by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (2017), HIV disproportionately affects women and girls because of their unequal cultural, social and economic status in society. HIV is most often spread through sex. Women may be at greater risk of being infected with HIV during sexual contact than men are. This is because the fragile tissues of the female ex organ can tear slightly during sex and let the virus enter the body. (This is especially likely among girls under age 18.) Studies show that the female sex organ due its large surface is easily exposed to the virus, thus increasing risk of infection and most women around the world who have HIV were mostly infected through sex with a man.

Furthermore, unaccommodating attitudes towards sex outside of marriage and the restricted social autonomy of women and young girls can reduce their ability to access sexual health and HIV services. Other factors as opined by AVERT (2020) which have contributed to this disparity include; poverty, lack of access to education, gender-based violence, “sugar-daddy culture” and transactional sex, child marriage, etc. Intimate partner violence, inequitable laws and harmful traditional practices reinforce unequal power dynamics between men and women, with young women particularly disadvantaged. HIV is not only driven by gender inequality, but it also entrenches gender inequality, leaving women more vulnerable to its impact.

A call for new approaches to reducing HIV rates among women is highly encouraged at this stage. Firstly, more efforts should be geared towards a universal access to sexual and reproductive health for women and girls. Secondly, increased public awareness campaigns for gender equality that stigmatize violence and discrimination against women and girls and the use of female-controlled prevention methods should be encouraged.

However, CFHI through her HIV/AIDS based programs and its social media platforms has continually advocated and still continues to advocate for the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHRs) of women and girls whilst providing and catering to the special needs of women and girls with HIV/AIDS and Orphans and Vulnerable Children in the society.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias. Join us every Wednesday on all our social media platforms for more interesting episodes.

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SPEAK WEDNESDAY

Health, Speak Wednesday / cfhinitiative

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE FAMILY UNIT IN THE SOCIETY

A family is a basic unit of study in many medical and social science disciplines. Definitions of the family have varied from country to country, and also within the country all attempting to either include or exclude certain characteristics to better portray the universal concept. The UN however gives a simplified definition of the Family as “those members of the household who are related to a specified degree, through blood, adoption or marriage.” The family as an integrated and functional unit of society has for a considerable period of time captured the attention and imagination of researchers. Reflection of the interaction system between individual and family, family and society as well as the specific activities that meet certain needs of its members is what we refer to as the function of the family. The family as a social institution is organically connected with society, and therefore some functions directly related to the requirements of the society itself. (Elizabeth. S., 2018). A functional understanding of the family thus stresses how the family as a social institution helps make society possible. As such, the family performs several important functions.

Firstly, the family is the primary unit for socializing children. No society is possible without adequate socialization of its young. In most societies, the family is the major unit in which socialization happens. Parents, siblings, etc., all help socialize children from the time they are born. It is the character developed in the family that helps the child in becoming an important or responsible member of society. Psychologists opine that the absence of family affection has a serious impact on a child’s development and inadvertently the society’s development and way of life. Secondly, the household (economic) function of the family is also amongst the most important. It is aimed at satisfying its material needs (food, shelter, etc). The function contributes to the physical strengths and health preservation of all family group members. Thirdly, the family provides its members with a social identity. Children are born into their parents’ social class, race and ethnicity, religion, and so forth. Some children have advantages throughout life because of the social identity they acquire from their parents, while others face many obstacles because the social class or race/ethnicity into which they are born is at the bottom of the social hierarchy. (UMN, 2016).

Family life is very multifaceted. Each function of the family is social. The social nature of the family is determined primarily by the fact that the family is the unit of society first of all. As a result of family functions, the vital needs not only of family members but also of society as a whole are satisfied. The International Federation for Family Development (IFFD) states that No entity can fully replace the functions families perform for the benefit of their members and the good of society. “The family is the most powerful, the most humane and, by far, the most economical system known for building competence and character.”

The Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) is committed to the promotion of health and protection of the well-being of families in Africa. We are driven by a vision of healthy families, healthy societies. Over the years, through funded projects and individual donations we have deployed several community-driven and family centred health interventions, encompassing socio-economic empowerment of women and youths – assisting them to take care of their families. Some of these projects include providing women with non-interest loans and startup kits, provision of educational and medical support, food items, skill acquisition and startup kit to Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) children, maternal and child health trainings for pregnant and lactating mothers, amongst many others.

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST

6 Comments / Anxiety Disorder, Health, Health Communication, Mental Health, Monday Health Burst / cfhinitiative

ANXIETY DISORDER – CAUSES, SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT

Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress and can be beneficial in some situations. It can alert us to dangers and help us prepare and pay attention. However, when a person regularly feels disproportionate levels of anxiety, it might become a medical disorder. Anxiety disorder is a mental health disorder characterized by feelings of worry, anxiety or fear that are strong enough to interfere with one’s daily activities. The excessive anxiety can make you avoid work, school, and other social situations that might trigger or worsen the symptoms.

Anxiety disorders form a category of mental health diagnoses that lead to excessive nervousness, fear, apprehension and worry. These disorders alter how a person processes emotions and behave, also causing physical symptoms. Mild anxiety might be vague and unsettling, while severe anxiety may seriously affect day-to-day living.

The causes of anxiety disorders are not fully understood. Researchers are yet to know exactly what brings on anxiety disorders. A complex mix of things play a role in who does and does not get one. Life experiences such as traumatic events appear to trigger anxiety disorders in people who are already prone to anxiety. Inherited treats can also be a factor. Some causes of anxiety disorders are:

Genetics – Anxiety disorders can run in families.
Brain chemistry – Research suggests anxiety disorders may be linked to faulty circuits in the brain that control fear and emotions.
Environmental stress – This refers to stressful events you have seen or lived through. Life events often linked to anxiety disorders include childhood abuse and neglect, a death of a loved one, being attacked or witnessing violence.
Drug withdrawal or misuse – Certain drugs may be used to hide or decrease certain anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorder often goes hand in hand with alcohol and substance use.
Medical conditions – Some heart, lung, and thyroid conditions can cause symptoms similar to anxiety disorders or make anxiety symptoms worse. It is important to get a full physical exam to rule out other medical conditions when talking to your doctor about anxiety.

Anxiety disorders are characterized by a variety of symptoms. One of the most common is excessive and intrusive worrying that disrupts daily functioning, other signs include agitation, restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, tense muscles and trouble sleeping. Anxiety disorder can be debilitating, but they can be managed with proper help from a medical professional. Recognizing the symptoms is the first step.

Once one is diagnosed with anxiety disorder, it is important to explore treatment options with a doctor. For some people, medical treatment is not necessary. Lifestyle changes may be enough to cope with the symptoms. Treatment for anxiety disorder falls into two categories: psychotherapy and medication. Meeting with a therapist or psychologist can help learn tools to use and strategies to cope with anxiety when it occurs.

Medications typically used to treat anxiety disorder include antidepressants and sedatives. They work to balance brain chemistry, prevent episodes of anxiety, and ward off the most severe symptoms of the disorder.

Monday Health Burst is an initiative of CFHI to address issues of basic health concerns. Join us every Monday for more interesting episodes.

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST

Dementia, Health, Health Communication, Mental Health, Monday Health Burst / cfhinitiative

DEMENTIA – CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, AND TREATMENT

Dementia, also called neurocognitive disorder, is a collective term used to describe various symptoms of cognitive decline. Dementia is not a single disease in itself, but a general term to describe the loss of cognitive functioning – thinking, remembering and reasoning and behavioral abilities to such an extent that it interferes with a person’s daily life and activities. These functions include memory, language skills, visual perception, problem solving, self-management and the ability to focus and pay attention. Some people with dementia find it difficult to control their emotions, and their personalities may change.

Dementia ranges in severity from the mildest stage, when it is just beginning to affect a person’s functioning, to the most severe stage, when the person must depend completely on others for basic activities for living.

The causes of dementia can vary, depending on the types of brain changes that may be taking place. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. Alzheimer is characterized by “plaques” between the dying cells in the brain and “tangles” within the cells (both are due to protein abnormalities). The brain tissue in a person with Alzheimer’s has progressively fewer cells and connection and the total brain size shrink. Other causes of dementia include;

Vascular disorders. These conditions affect the blood circulation in the brain.
Traumatic brain injuries caused by car accidents, falls, concussions etc.
Infections of the central nervous system. These include meningitis, HIV
Long-time alcohol or drug use

Symptoms of dementia can vary greatly. Many conditions are progressive, which means that the signs of dementia start out slowly and gradually get worse. Possible symptoms of dementia compiled and published by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) include;

Recent memory loss- a sign of this might be asking the same question repeatedly
Difficulty completing familiar tasks
Problems communicating – difficulty with language; forgetting simple words or using the wrong ones.
Disorientation
Problems with abstract thinking
Misplacing things
Mood changes

Treatment of dementia depends on its cause. In the case of most progressive dementias, including Alzheimer’s disease, there is no cure and no treatment that slows or stops its progression. But there are drug treatments that may temporarily improve symptoms. The same medications used to treat Alzheimer’s are among the drugs sometimes prescribed to help with symptoms of other types of dementias. Non-drug therapies can also alleviate some symptoms of dementia.

Monday Health Burst is an initiative of CFHI to address issues of basic health concerns. Join us every Monday for more interesting episodes.

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST

Endometriosis, Health, Health Communication, Monday Health Burst / cfhinitiative

ENDOMETRIOSIS – CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, AND TREATMENT

Endometriosis, sometimes called “Endo,” is a common health problem in women. It gets its name from the word endometrium, the tissue that normally lines the uterus or womb. Endometriosis happens when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (womb) grows outside of the uterus and on other areas in the body where it does not belong. It is especially common among women in 30s and 40s and may make it harder to get pregnant. Endometriosis is often found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, tissues that hold the uterus in place or outer surface of the uterus.

The cause of Endometriosis is yet unknown, However, there are several theories associated with the causes of Endometriosis. The widely accepted theory is that the womb lining does not leave the body properly during a period and embeds itself on the organs of the pelvis. This is known as retrograde menstruation. Other factors include

Genetic factors -Because endometriosis runs in families, it may be inherited in the genes.
Immune system problems -A faulty immune system may fail to find and destroy endometrial tissue growing outside of the uterus. Immune system disorders and certain cancers are more common in women with endometriosis.
Hormones -the hormone estrogen appears to promote endometriosis. Research is looking at whether endometriosis is a problem with the body’s hormone system.
Surgery -during a surgery to the abdominal area, such as a Cesarean (C-section) or hysterectomy, endometrial tissue could be picked up and moved by mistake. For instance, endometrial tissue has been found in abdominal scars.

Endometriosis is a long-term (chronic) condition. Symptoms can vary significantly from person to person and some women have no symptoms at all. Yet, the most common symptoms include: painful periods or heavy periods which gets worse overtime; pain in the lower abdomen, pelvis or lower back, pain during and after sex, bleeding between periods, difficulty getting pregnant, painful bowel movements or pain when urinating during menstrual periods. Most women with endometriosis get pain in the area between their hips and the tops of their legs. Some women experience this pain all the time.

Other symptoms may include persistent exhaustion and tiredness, discomfort when defecating, bleeding from the back passage (rectum) or blood in feces, and coughing blood in rare cases when the endometriosis tissue is in the lung. How severe the symptoms are depends on where in the body the abnormal tissue is, rather than the amount of tissue present. A small amount could be more painful than a large amount. It is worthy of note that Endometriosis is rare in women who are in the menopause stage.

There is presently no cure for endometriosis. Endometriosis can be a difficult condition to deal with, both physically and emotionally but treatments are available for the symptoms and problems it causes. The symptoms of endometriosis can often be managed with painkillers and hormone medication, which help prevent the condition interfering with daily activities. Still, there is no known cure for endometriosis. For women who are not interested in getting pregnant, hormonal birth control is generally the first step in treatment. Patches of endometriosis tissue can sometimes be surgically removed to improve symptoms and fertility also. However, Surgery is usually chosen for severe symptoms, when hormones are not providing relief or if there are fertility problems.

Monday Health Burst is an initiative of CFHI to address issues of basic health concerns. Join us every Monday for more interesting episodes

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SPEAK WEDNESDAY

Gender, Gender Based Violence, Health, Speak Wednesday, WHO, Women, Women Education, Women's Rights / cfhinitiative

CHILD MARRIAGE – THE MAJOR CAUSE OF THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC VULNERABILITY OF WOMEN AND GIRLS

Child marriage is a widespread violation of human rights. It is an impediment to social and economic development, and it is rooted in gender inequality. The low value placed on girls and women brings about the act and acceptability of child marriage in societies where the practice is common. According to UNICEF, Child marriage refers to any formal marriage or informal union between a child under the age of 18 and an adult or another child. Child marriage is principally practiced in the rural and poor communities where young girls are regarded as economic burden and quickly married off to assuage household expenses.

Child marriage has been a common practice among many ethnic groups in the world including Nigeria. However, it has contributed to series of negative consequences both for young girls and the society in which they live. It is a violation of human rights in general and of girl’s rights in particular. For both women and girls, child marriage has profound physical, intellectual, psychological and emotional impacts.

Aside the emotional and mental distress, intolerance, school drop-out, Fistula diseases, early widowhood, frustration and hatred for the man accompanied with child marriage, child marriage is inherently linked to low educational level, social isolation, severe health risks which results in increased gender inequality and vulnerability to poverty for girls, young women, families and the society at a large.

It is essential that efforts be aligned towards providing easy access for girls to entrepreneurial opportunities. In 2020, CFHI through Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) and Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria (CCFN) funded projects empowered 453 women with non- interest loans to start or expand their businesses, thereby increasing their social economic capital while empowering them with financial literacy and accountability. CFHI did not only provide loans, but also provided 97 startup kits to adolescents who were trained in different skills including sewing, barbing, hair dressing, baking, furniture making, Computer, among others. Thirty-three (33) newly enrolled adolescents are still in training.

As we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science tomorrow, the promotion of girl education should be a priority for NGOs and the Government. This is an ideal solution to the issue of girl-child marriage.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues of gender based violence and gender bias. Join us every Wednesday on all our social media platforms for more episodes.

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST

Female Genital Mutilation, Gender, Health, Health Communication, HIV/AIDS, Hygiene, Mental Health, Monday Health Burst, Stop FGM, Women's Rights / cfhinitiative

EFFECTS OF FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION (FGM)

According to World Health Organization, more than 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM) in 30 countries in Africa, mostly in the Middle East and Asia. All forms of FGM are associated with increased health risk in the short- and long-term. Below are some of the health risks.

Short-term health risks of FGM

Severe pain. Cutting the nerve ends and sensitive genital tissue causes extreme pain. The healing period is also painful.

Shock. Can be caused by pain, infection and/or haemorrhage.

Genital tissue swelling. Due to inflammatory response or local infection.

Infections. May spread after the use of contaminated instruments (e.g. use of same instruments in multiple genital mutilation operations), and during the healing period.

Excessive bleeding (haemorrhage). Can result if the clitoral artery or other blood vessel is cut.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The direct association between FGM and HIV remains unconfirmed, although the cutting of genital tissues with the same surgical instrument without sterilization could increase the risk for transmission of HIV between girls who undergo female genital mutilation together.

Urination problems. These may include urinary retention and pain passing urine. This may be due to tissue swelling, pain or injury to the urethra.

Impaired wound healing. Can lead to pain, infections and abnormal scarring.

Death. Death can result from infections, including tetanus, as well as haemorrhage that can lead to shock.

Mental health problems. The pain, shock and the use of physical force during the event, as well as a sense of betrayal when family members condone and/or organize the practice, are reasons why many women describe FGM as a traumatic event.

Long-term health risks of FGM

Infections:

Chronic genital infections. With consequent chronic pain, and vaginal discharge and itching. Cysts, abscesses and genital ulcers may also appear.
Chronic reproductive tract infections. May cause chronic back and pelvic pain.
Urinary tract infections. If not treated, such infections can ascend to the kidneys, potentially resulting in renal failure, septicaemia and death. An increased risk of repeated urinary tract infections is well documented in both girls and adult women who have undergone FGM.

Painful urination. Due to obstruction of the urethra and recurrent urinary tract infections.

Vaginal problems. Discharge, itching, bacterial vaginosis and other infections.

Menstrual problems. Obstruction of the vaginal opening may lead to painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea), irregular menses and difficulty in passing menstrual blood, particularly among women with Type III FGM.

Excessive scar tissue (keloids). Excessive scar tissue can form at the site of the cutting.

HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus). Given that the transmission of HIV is facilitated through trauma of the vaginal epithelium which allows the direct introduction of the virus, it is reasonable to presume that the risk of HIV transmission may be increased due to increased risk of bleeding during intercourse, because of FGM.

Sexual health problems. FGM damages anatomic structures that are directly involved in female sexual function and can therefore also influence women’s sexual health and well-being. Removal of, or damage to, highly sensitive genital tissue, especially the clitoris, may affect sexual sensitivity and lead to sexual problems, such as decreased sexual desire and pleasure, pain during sex, difficulty during penetration, decreased lubrication during intercourse, and reduced frequency or absence of orgasm (anorgasmia). Scar formation, pain and traumatic memories associated with the procedure can also lead to such problems.

Childbirth complications (obstetric complications). FGM is associated with an increased risk of caesarean section, postpartum haemorrhage, recourse to episiotomy, difficult labour, obstetric tears/lacerations, instrumental delivery, prolonged labour, and extended maternal hospital stay. The risks increase with the severity of FGM.

Obstetric fistula. A direct association between FGM and obstetric fistula has not been established. However, given the causal relationship between prolonged and obstructed labour and fistula, and the fact that FGM is also associated with prolonged and obstructed labour, it is reasonable to presume that both conditions could be linked in women living with FGM.

Perinatal risks. Obstetric complications can result in a higher incidence of infant resuscitation at delivery and intrapartum stillbirth and neonatal death.

Mental health problems. Studies have shown that girls and women who have undergone FGM are more likely to experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, depression and somatic (physical) complaints (e.g. aches and pains) with no organic cause.

Pain. Due to tissue damage and scarring that may result in trapped or unprotected nerve endings.

Though FGM may be normative and considered to be of cultural significance in some settings, the practice is always a violation of human rights, with the risk of causing trauma and leading to problems related to girls’ and women’s mental health and well-being. (WHO,2020)

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Gender, Gender Based Violence, Health, Health Communication, Speak Wednesday, Teenage Pregnancy, WHO, Women, Women Education, Women's Rights / cfhinitiative

EFFECTS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ON CHILDREN

Domestic violence unlike other forms of violence is the most entrenched and pervasive form of violence in our society today. According to Center for Disease Control and Prevention, homes where violence between partners occur, there is a 45% to 60% chance of co-occurring child abuse, a rate 15 times higher than the average. This is to show that even when children are not physically attacked, they witness 68% to 80% of domestic assaults.

The effects of domestic violence can be devastating and long lasting especially on children. Witnessing abuse and living in an environment where someone else, usually a care giver is a victim of abuse, can be psychologically devastating for a child. Such children often believe that they are to blame, live in a constant state of fear, and are 15 times more likely to be victims of child abuse.

Wikipedia states that Children in homes where one parent is abused may feel fearful and anxious. They may always be on guard, wondering when the next violent event will happen which can cause them to react in different ways, depending on their age and this may include but not limited to delays in cognitive and emotional development, extreme withdrawal or aggressiveness, anxiety disorders, internalizing and externalizing behavior problems. These children are also at higher risk for health problems as adults, these can include mental health conditions, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, poor self-esteem, among others.

Children who are witnesses to domestic violence have a greater likelihood of repeating the cycle of violence as adults by entering abusive relationships or becoming abusers themselves. For example, a boy who sees his mother being abused is a lot more likely to abuse his female partner as an adult. A girl who grows up in a home where her father abuses her mother is according to research more than six times as likely to be sexually abused as to a girl who grows up in a non-abusive home.

How successful a child is at recovering from abuse or trauma depends on several factors. Children can be resilient or sensitive to issues of abuse. Having good support systems or good relationships with trusted adults and healthy friendships can aid in easy recovery. The sooner a child gets help, the better his or her chances for becoming a mentally and physically healthy adult.

Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) through its psychosocial support programs has reached thousands of children who are vulnerable and exposed to any form of violence. Also, Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues of gender-based violence and gender bias.

Join us every Wednesday on all our social media platforms for more episodes.

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST

2 Comments / Drug Abuse, Health, Health Communication, Mental Health, Monday Health Burst / cfhinitiative

Schizoaffective Disorder in Adolescents
Schizoaffective disorder is part of a cluster of diagnoses called the schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders. Schizoaffective disorder is a neuropsychiatric or mental disorder in which a person experiences a combination of schizophrenia symptoms and mood disorder symptoms (typically either major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder).
The symptoms and behavior of children and adolescents with schizoaffective disorder may be different from those of adults with this illness. The following symptoms and behaviors can occur in children or adolescents with schizoaffective disorder: Changes in weight or appetite, Suicidal thoughts or attempts, agitation, sleeplessness, and paranoia; depressive symptoms, including sadness, fatigue, trouble concentrating, and loss of interest in daily activities; and/or psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations, delusions, and confused thinking. Without treatment, the disorder may lead to difficulty functioning at work, at school, and in social situations.
Adolescents schizoaffective disorder is very hard to accurately diagnose, as it is difficult to distinguish from schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mood disorders. Many adolescents with schizoaffective disorder are often initially misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.
The greatest risk factor for developing a schizoaffective disorder is generally family history of the same illness or other forms of psychosis, there are a few other risks associated with the development of a schizoaffective disorder in Adolescents, which includes but not limited to drug abuse (Overuse of mind-altering substances such as; methamphetamine, cannabis, cocaine, alcohol, amphetamines, and psychedelics. Some drugs, like ecstasy, can produce lasting or persistent psychosis even after single use in certain individuals) and trauma ( An extremely stressful event triggering latent symptoms. Though trauma is entirely subjective. A horrific event witnessed by multiple persons may only leave one or two struggling with traumatic mental health issues afterwards).
There is no effective cure, but symptoms can be managed and reduced to the point where a normal life without dire consequences can be possible. Adolescents are highly adaptive, and with some therapeutic intervention and possibly the use of medication, most adolescents with schizoaffective disorder can find relief. However, the disorder cannot be completely removed from a person’s mind. Managing it is an ongoing process, and there can be setbacks at times.
Monday Health Burst is an initiative of CFHI to address basic health issues. Join us every Monday on all our social media platforms for more health-related articles.

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Female Roles in Nation Building, Gender, Gender Based Violence, Health, Health Communication, Mental Health, Postpartum Depression, Speak Wednesday, Teenage Pregnancy, WHO, Women, Women Education, Women's Rights / cfhinitiative

EFFECTS OF TEENAGE PREGNANCY

Effects of Teenage Pregnancy

Teenage pregnancy is pregnancy in a woman 19 years of age or younger. A woman can get pregnant if she has vaginal sex with a man at any age after she’s begun having regular monthly periods.

Teenage pregnancies are a global problem that occurs in high, middle, and low income countries. However, there is a higher prevalence in marginalized communities, commonly driven by poverty and lack of education and employment opportunities. According to World Health Organisation (W.H.O), approximately 16 million girls aged 15 to 19 years and 2.5 million girls under 16 years give birth each year in developing regions and the leading cause of mortality for this age group is complication during pregnancy and childbirth. Many girls face considerable pressure to marry early and become mothers at a tender age. Teenage pregnancy increases when girls are denied the right to make decisions about their sexual and reproductive health and well-being.

Studies show that teen mothers face significant levels of stress that can lead to increased mental health concerns. In addition to higher rates of postpartum depression, teenage mothers have higher rates of depression. Pregnant teens also have a higher chance of becoming anemic which is a reduction in the number of red blood cells (RBCs). This can make you feel weak and tired and can affect your baby’s development. They also have higher rates of suicidal ideation than their peers who aren’t mothers. Teen mothers are more likely to experience posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than other teenage women, as well and this is attributed to the fact that they are more likely to have gone through mental and/or physical abuse.

Many pregnant teens drop out of school, and some never complete their education which means that a large proportion of mothers who get pregnant as teenagers live in poverty and are not able to realize their full potential. Their children are not left out also, born to a teenage mother, they have greater risk for lower birth weight and infant mortality; less prepared to enter kindergarten; are more likely to be incarcerated at some time during adolescence; are more likely to drop out of high school; are more likely to be unemployed or underemployed as a young adult.

When teenagers engage in sexual relationships, they do not think about the consequences. That is why it is pertinent to invest much in the issue of reproductive health with more emphasis on adopting the right attitudes about responsible sexual behavior.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues of gender based violence and gender inequality. Join us every Wednesday on all our social media platforms for more episodes.

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