Community-Based Peer Support Intervention to Mitigate Social Isolation and Stigma of Adolescent Motherhood in Harare, Zimbabwe

Abstract Background Adolescent mothers in Zimbabwe often experience isolation and lack coping skills and resources to successfully navigate motherhood. To develop a community-based peer support intervention, we need to understand the unique needs of adolescent mothers and how peer support groups could address those needs. Methods Focus group discussions were conducted with 85 adolescent mothers aged 14-18 years, 24 community health workers, and 25 key community stakeholders in a low-income high-density community in Harare. Data were analyzed thematically using NVivo 12 software. Results Participants described adolescent motherhood challenges and gaps in services and programming. Participants preferred bi-weekly one-hour group sessions addressing topics including income generation, mental health, and gossip, facilitated by community health workers at health and community centers. Use of WhatsApp Messenger to support intervention efforts was welcomed as an affordable and user-friendly platform to share information. Conclusions Adolescent mothers need strong adult community support and health knowledge to address important social issues that impact their health and well-being. Facilitated peer support groups can strengthen social networks and mitigate the adverse effects of social isolation and stigma among adolescent mothers. The community supported participatory engagement that empowers, meets needs, and improves the health of adolescent mothers.