| Summary: | Background The postnatal period is an important time for adolescent mothers to regain their health as they adjust
to life with their infants. However, it is also a time when mothers are vulnerable to mental health problems. Generalized
anxiety disorders (GADs) are among the common mental disorders that can impact mothers. Anxiety disorders
can have adverse effects on a child’s cognitive development. However, there is a scarcity of studies pertaining to anxiety
disorders among adolescent mothers in Malawi.
Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among adolescent postnatal mothers aged ≤ 19 years to establish
the prevalence of probable GAD and identify cultural and social factors that influence anxiety in this population. Adolescent
mothers were recruited from the Mitundu Rural Hospital catchment area in Lilongwe district, Malawi. A twostage
random sampling method was employed: clinics were randomly selected, and participants were recruited
via systematic random sampling. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale was used to assess anxiety. Data
were analyzed using SPSS version 27.
Results Of the 395 adolescent mothers who participated, 34% were aged 14–17. The prevalence of probable GAD
(GAD-7 ≥ 10) was 31.9%. Increased social support decreased the odds of probable GAD (aOR 0.95, 95% CI: 0.91–0.98,
p < 0.001). Experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) increased the likelihood of probable GAD (aOR 4.80, 95% CI:
1.23–18.82, p = 0.02), while those who had contact with a health worker postnatally (aOR 0.38, 95% CI: 0.17–0.83, p = 0.02)
and those who were “not prayerful” (aOR, 0.43, 95% CI: 0.21–0.87, p = 0.02) were less likely to report probable GAD.
Conclusions Given that the prevalence of probable GAD among adolescent mothers in Malawi is higher compared
to the global estimates of their peers, policies and guidelines that prioritize the maternal mental health of adolescent
mothers in Malawi are required. The findings also highlight the importance of enhancing social support among family
and community. Co-designed mental health promotion, prevention, and early interventions to involve health workers
and religious leaders are recommended.
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