Indonesian adolescents’ experiences during pregnancy and early parenthood: a qualitative study

Background: This study explored Indonesian adolescents’ experiences of (premarital-conceived) pregnancy and early parenthood. The findings provide insight into participants’ journeys with a central thread of culture and religion running through them. Methods: Using an exploratory qualitative approach, purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to recruit 20 participants. Overall, 36 one-to-one, in-depth interviews were conducted. Data were thematically analyzed using an inductive approach and coauthors confirmed the credibility of the analytical process. Findings: Cultural and religious ideologies about premarital sex strongly influenced government policies, social practices and unwritten social ideology, norms, values and behavior. Pre-marital pregnancy was socially unacceptable. Access to education and work was limited. Participants were nurtured by their parents with emotional, financial and nutritional support if they complied to marry and adopt socially acceptable roles. Adolescent males overwhelmingly wanted to undertake their responsibilities whilst the distress for females was overwhelming. Spirituality provided participants a way to manage their distress, seek forgiveness and develop transformational self-belief. Conclusion: Indonesian adolescents and young parents’ experiences revealed the powerful influence of cultural and religion upon policy and social structure. The study shows a unique insight into the influence of spirituality and the compliant and nurturing behavior within a family structure