Graduation Year
2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree
Ph.D.
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Degree Granting Department
Nursing
Major Professor
Ukamaka M. Oruche, Ph.D., RN, PMHCNS-BC, FAAN
Committee Member
Roneé Wilson, PhD, MPH, CPH
Committee Member
Ivonne Hernandez, RN, PhD
Committee Member
Dinorah Martinez Tyson, PhD, MPH, MA
Keywords
Perinatal Anxiety, Perinatal Depression, Perinatal Mental Health, Perinatal Mental Health Disorders, Teen Motherhood, Teen Pregnancy, Adolescent
Abstract
Perinatal depression (PND) and perinatal anxiety (PNA) are increasing among pregnant and parenting adolescents (PPAs), with PNA often underrecognized. This leads to significant socioeconomic costs and adverse maternal consequences if untreated. Hence, this dissertation explores the experiences of PND and PNA among PPAs, focusing on their knowledge gaps, perception, mental health needs, care preferences, and access to PMH care. The research employs a qualitative design (free-listing and in-depth interviews) to gather participant insights. Key findings reveal that many PPAs possess limited knowledge about PNA when compared to PND. Lack of support from partners, family, and peers emerged as the topmost cause of PND and PNA among PPAs. The data revealed that PND and PNA significantly impact the various dimensions of the PPA’s life. The mental health needs of PPAs are evolving; however, participants in our study expressed a heightened awareness of their psychosocial mental health needs even more than their perinatal mental health needs. The results highlight diverse PPA preferences for PMH care, influenced by their individual needs. The most emphasized PMH care delivery consideration was preferred care settings and providers. Factors inherent to the PPA strongly influence both barriers and facilitators to access PMH care. Considering the impact of PND and PNA on PPAs, a comprehensive approach to PMH care addressing their developmental and psychosocial needs is essential. There is a pressing need for more formative research to harness these insights in developing and testing a scalable multicomponent PMH intervention with PPAs, such as family-centered approaches.
Scholar Commons Citation
Ojeleye, Olajumoke Adetoun, "An Exploration of the Experiences of Perinatal Depression and Anxiety Among Pregnant and Parenting Adolescents in the Tampa Bay Area of Florida" (2025). USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/etd/10987
