Out-of-wedlock pregnancy among single mothers in Khartoum, Sudan: sociodemographic characteristics, causes, and consequences

Background: Out-of-wedlock childbearing is a global phenomenon that has lifelong consequences on the lives of both mothers and their children. The aim of this study is to identify the sociodemographic characteristics, causes, and consequences of outof-wedlock pregnancy among single mothers in Khartoum, Sudan. Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted at the Mygoma Orphanage Center (MOC) and Shamaa Rehabilitation Center (SRC) using convenience sampling among 200 participants. A validated questionnaire with 25 items was used to collect data. The data were entered into Epi-Data Manager and analyzed using the SPSS. Results: The study found that most of the single mothers in Khartoum who gave birth out of wedlock were young and had just completed their university education. Most of them discovered their pregnancy during the second or third trimester, and nearly half of them did not receive any antenatal care. The majority of the children born to these mothers were preterm and had a low birth weight. Additionally, many mothers reported experiencing social stigma and rejection from their families due to their out-of-wedlock pregnancy. The study also highlighted loneliness, stress, and romantic relations as the main causes of out-of-wedlock pregnancy among single mothers in Khartoum, Sudan Conclusion: The study provides useful insights into the sociodemographic characteristics, causes, and consequences of out-of-wedlock pregnancy among single mothers in Khartoum, Sudan. Social stigma and lack of support were identified as significant barriers to the reintegration of single mothers and their children into society. Future research should focus on investigating the long-term effects of out of-wedlock pregnancy on mothers and their children

La responsabilidad subjetiva en los derroteros del deseo de hijo / Subjective Responsibility in the Paths of the Desire for a Child

El presente escrito aborda la cuestión del proyecto monomarental, sus derroteros y periplos singulares. Al tiempo que en ellos se vislumbra un camino muchas veces compartido y repetido. La temática reviste una presencia estadística en aumento a nivel mundial que visibiliza cambios sociales, económicos y de derechos en la agenda femenina. El objetivo central del escrito radica en describir en primera persona las circunstancias que llevaron a Helen a recurrir a la ovodonación como método reproductivo y los duelos que dicho recorrido encierra. En síntesis, en la historia de Helen se vislumbra de modo paradigmático el encuentro con la imposibilidad del propio cuerpo reproductivo y la solución que ofrece la medicina; al tiempo que en otra cuerda, se trasluce la dimensión singular y clínica de las decisiones subjetivas por las que ella deberá responder

This paper addresses the question of the singleparent project, its paths and unique journeys. At the same time that in them a path many times shared and repeated is glimpsed. The issue has a growing statistical presence worldwide that makes visible social, economic and rights changes on the women's agenda. The central objective of the writing lies in describing in the first person the circumstances that led Helen to resort to egg donation as a reproductive method and the duels that this journey entails. In short, in Helen's story, the encounter with the impossibility of the reproductive body itself and the solution offered by medicine is glimpsed in a paradigmatic way; while on another string, the singular and clinical dimension of the subjective decisions for which she will have to answer shines through

Single Mothers and Mental Health in South Korea: The Seventh Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survery, 2016

BACKGROUND: Recent studies indicate that single mothers are at a greater risk for mental illness as compared to married mothers. However, the relationship between single motherhood and mental health in South Korea has not been adequately studied. This study was aimed at comparing major depressive disorder (MDD) and other mental health problems in single and married mothers in South Korea.METHODS: We analyzed data from the 2016 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. In this cross-sectional study, the data of 1,770 subjects were analyzed. MDD was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire. We used chi-square tests to evaluate subjects' general attributes and mental health (MDD, perceived stress, suicidal ideation, and counseling for psychological problems). Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between single motherhood and MDD.RESULTS: The results demonstrated that single mothers were at an increased risk for MDD as compared to married mothers; single mothers had greater odds of MDD (odds ratio, 1.68; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–2.67) after adjusting for all covariates.CONCLUSION: According to the results, single South Korean mothers are at a higher risk for MDD than those who are married. With this study having identified single mothers as a vulnerable group, targeted interventions to improve their mental health must be developed.

Reflexões teóricas sobre maternidade e adoção no contexto da monoparentalidade feminina / Theoretical reflections on maternity and adoption in the context of female single parenthood

As diversas conquistas das mulheres no decorrer da história e os avanços das leis sobre a adoção possibilitaram que uma mulher, sem a presença de um cônjuge, conquistasse o direito de adotar uma criança, surgindo um novo arranjo familiar. Essa revisão assistemática de literatura objetivou discutir a monoparentalidade feminina constituída através da adoção. A partir dos estudos nacionais e internacionais encontrados, os resultados apontam que as mães solteiras por escolha têm aproximadamente 30 anos, possuem elevada escolaridade e estabilidade no mercado de trabalho, e não apresentam dificuldades em trabalhar e cuidar do filho adotivo. As mães são vistas como "atípicas" e enfrentam problemas morais que envolvem o exercício da parentalidade sem um cônjuge. A ausência do cônjuge leva a uma maior proximidade com a mãe segundo os filhos. Finalmente, o apoio social, especialmente da família extensa, é esperado e necessário. Reflexões sobre a singularidade desse arranjo familiar são propostas.(AU)

The many achievements of women in the course history and the advance of the laws about adoption made it possible that a woman, without a spouse, conquered the right to adopt a child, resulting in a new family arrangement. This unsystematic review of literature aimed to discuss the female single parenthood constituted through the adoption. The national and international studies found show that single mothers by choice are approximately 30 years old, have high schooling and stability in the job market, and do not present difficulties in working and taking care of adopted child. This mothers are seen as "atypical" and face moral problems which involve the exercise of parenthood without a spouse. The absence of the spouse leads to greater proximity to the mother according to the children. Finally, social support, especially extended family, is expected and necessary. Reflections on the singularity of this family arrangement are proposed.(AU)

Estrés parental y las actitudes de las madres solteras hacia la relacion con los hijos

El objetivo principal de la investigación fue conocer la relación entre el estrés parental y las actitudes de las madres solteras hacia la relación con sus hijos. El trabajo tuvo un enfoque cuantitativo, con alcance correlacional, diseño no experimental transversal y una muestra conformada por 104 madres solteras de la ciudad de Lima, Perú. La información fue recolectada con el cuestionario de estrés parental y con el inventario de relaciones padre-hijo, ambos instrumentos adaptados al contexto peruano. Los resultados indican que la correlación entre el estrés parental y la actitud hacia la relación con sus hijos es negativa (-.65), esto indicaría que a mayor estrés las madres solteras manifiestan menos apoyo a los hijos, baja satisfacción, compromiso, comunicación y autonomía, no establecen limites y presentan baja deseabilidad social. Se observó que las mujeres con educación superior, con más de 40 años y con apoyo externo en la crianza presentan menos estrés. Además, las madres con educación superior y apoyo externo presentan más actitudes positivas hacia la crianza.

The main purpose of the research was to know the relation between parental stress and the attitudes of single mothers towards relationship with children. The research was quantitative, correlational, non-experimental, cross-sectional and with a sample of 104 single mothers from Lima, Peru. The information was collected with the Parenting Stress Index and with the Parent-child relationship inventory, both questionnaires adapted to the Peruvian context. The results indicate that the correlation between parental stress and the attitudes of single mothers towards relationship with children is negative (-.65), this would indicate that the greater the stress of single mothers, they show less support for their children, low satisfaction, commitment, communication and autonomy, they don't set limits and have low social desirability. It was observed that women with higher education, with more than 40 years and with external support in raising have less stress. Furthermore, mothers with higher education and external support have more positive attitudes towards parenting.

A finalidade da investigação foi a de conhecer a relação entre o estresse parental e as atitudes de mães solteiras em relação a dos filhos. A investigação foi quantitativa, correlacional, não experimental, transversal e com uma amostra de 104 mães solteiras de Lima, Peru. As informações foram coletadas com o questionário de estresse parental e com o inventário das relações pai-filho, ambos instrumentos adaptados ao contexto peruano. Os resultados indicam que a correlação entre o estresse parental e as atitudes de mães solteiras em relação a dos filhos é negativa (-.65), isso indicaria que quanto maior o estresse das mães solteiras, elas mostram menos apoio aos filhos, baixa satisfação, comprometimento, comunicação e autonomia, não estabelecem limites e têm baixa desejabilidade social. Observou-se que mulheres com ensino superior, com mais de 40 anos e com apoio externo na criação têm menos estresse. Além disso, mães com ensino superior e apoio externo têm atitudes mais positivas em relação a criação.

Presencia del padre y calidad de la interacción madre-hijo: un estudio comparativo en familias chilenas nucleares y monoparentales / Father's Presence and the Quality of Mother-Child Interaction: A Comparative Study on Chilean Nuclear and Single-Mother Families

Estudios recientes muestran la influencia de la presencia del padre en la salud mental familiar, incidiendo, entre otras variables, en el vínculo madre-hijo. Considerando este antecedente, se realizó un análisis comparativo de la calidad de la interacción madre-hijo en diadas pertenecientes a familias chilenas nucleares y monoparentales de bajos ingresos. Se estudiaron 80 diadas, 40 pertenecientes a familias monoparentales a cargo de madre y 40 pertenecientes a familias nucleares. Las edades de los niños estudiados varían entre 4 y 17 meses (M = 12.36, DE = 3.2) y las de las madres entre 15 y 44 años (M = 26.74, DE = 7.53). Se evaluó la respuesta sensible materna y la calidad de la interacción con el instrumento CARE-Index (Crittenden, 1997). Los resultados muestran interacciones de mayor calidad en las diadas pertenecientes a familias nucleares, con diferencias significativas y tamaños de efecto mediano en los aspectos cognitivos de la interacción.

Recent studies show the importance of the father's presence on the family's mental health, affecting, among others, on the mother-child bond. Considering this information, the present study does a comparative analysis of the quality of mother-child interaction on dyads of nuclear and single-mother, Chilean, low-income families. 80 Dyads were studied, 40 belonging to single-mother families and 40 to nuclear families. The children's ages were between 4 and 17 months (M = 12.36, SD = 3.2) and the mothers between 15 and 44 years old (M = 26.74, SD = 7.53). The mother's sensitivity answer and the quality of the interaction were evaluated with the CARE-Index (Crittenden, 1997) instrument. The results show a greater interaction quality among nuclear families, with important differences and medium effect sizes on the cognitive aspects of the interaction.

Hemoglobinopatía SS y SC en lactantes. Repercusión de una paternidad no responsable / Hemoglobinopathies SS and SC in infants. Impact of an unresponsible paternity i: en

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal de 284 madres solteras con hemoglobinopatía detectada en el embarazo, en las cuales se desconocía la condición de pareja de alto riesgo por no haberse estudiado al esposo, atendidas en el Centro Provincial de Genética de Santiago de Cuba durante el quinquenio 2007-2011, con vistas a detectar la morbilidad oculta por drepanocitemia de tipos SS y SC en sus hijos, cuyas edades oscilaban entre 6 y 7 meses de edad. De los 180 niños estudiados (63,4 %), 5 resultaron enfermos (3 SS y 2 SC). Se brindó atención especializada a los afectados y asesoramiento a la madre y a los familiares. Se insiste en el desarrollo de programas que incrementen la cultura genética en la población, así como la asunción de una paternidad responsable.

A descriptive and cross-sectional study of 284 single mothers with hemoglobinopathies detected in pregnancy, in whom the couple's high risk was ignored as the husband had not been studied, and who were assisted in the Provincial Center of Genetics in Santiago de Cuba was carried out during the five year period 2007-2011, with the objective of detecting the hidden morbidity caused by sickle cell anemia types SS and SC in their children, whose ages ranged from 6 to 7 months of age. Of 180 studied children (63.4%) 5 were sick (3 SS and 2 SC). Specialized care was given to the affected ones and advice to the mother and the relatives. It is insisted in the development of programs that increase the genetic culture in the population as well as the assumption of a responsible paternity.

Estrés materno y configuración familiar: estudio comparativo en familias chilenas monoparentales y nucleares de bajos ingresos / Maternal Stress and Family Constitution: Comparative Study on Chilean, Single-Mother and Nuclear, Low-Income Families

Los estudios sobre estrés materno durante la crianza infantil han considerado variables contextuales para explicarlo. El nivel socioeconómico (NSE) así como la configuración familiar han sido variables relevantes, asociándose monoparentalidad en familias de bajos ingresos a mayores niveles de estrés materno. Se estudian los niveles de estrés materno en familias chilenas nucleares y monoparentales de NSE bajo, considerando el estrés en distintas dimensiones, asociado al rol materno, a la interacción madre-hijo y a la percepción de dificultades en el niño percibidas por la madre. Se estudia un total de 169 diadas, 80 pertenecientes a familias monoparentales y 89 pertenecientes a familias nucleares con niños entre los 4 y 15 meses de edad. Se evaluaron los niveles de estrés materno con el Parental Stress Index, versión abreviada, desarrollado por R. Abidin (1995). Los resultados muestran niveles de estrés significativamente más altos en las madres pertenecientes a familias monoparentales en el estrés asociado al rol materno, a la percepción del niño como difícil y en el estrés total.

Studies on maternal stress during child raising have taken into consideration contextual variables to explain it. The socioeconomic level, as well as the family constitution have been relevant variables, associating single-parenting in low-income families with greater levels of maternal stress. Maternal stress levels in Chilean, nuclear and single-mother low income families are studied, considering stress in various dimensions, associated to the maternal role, to the mother-child interaction and to the difficulties the mother perceives in the child. 169 Dyads are studied, 80 of them of single-mother families and the other 89 of nuclear families, with children between the ages of 4 to 15 months. Maternal stress levels were measured with the Parental Stress Index, abbreviated version, developed by R. Abidin (1995). The results show significantly higher stress levels in mothers of single-parent families on stress associated to the maternal role, to the perception of a difficult child, and to total stress.

A constituição da maternidade em gestantes solteiras / Maternity constitution in single pregnant women / La constitución de la maternidad en gestantes solteras

A gravidez provoca intensas emoções na vida da mulher e incita mudanças de diversas ordens, o que, por si só, já faz com que esse período seja vivenciado com algumas dificuldades, que tendem a se intensificar quando o pai do bebê não está presente. Nesse sentido, o objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a constituição da maternidade em gestantes solteiras. Participaram nove mulheres primíparas e solteiras que estavam no último trimestre de gestação. A análise de conteúdo qualitativa revelou que a constituição da maternidade em mães solteiras esteve associada tanto a transformações corporais, como psicológicas e sociais, que acabaram por interferir no âmbito intrapsíquico e inter-relacional da gestante. A vivência da maternidade apareceu ligada a sentimentos de tristeza, raiva e solidão e a dúvidas sobre o desejo de ficar com o bebê. Percebeu-se, também, um gradual processo de aceitação da gestação, especialmente se a gestante contava com o apoio de familiares. Por fim, é plausível pensar que mesmo que ser mãe solteira possa implicar em uma sobrecarga de tarefas, especialmente na gestação e nos primeiros anos de vida da criança, a ausência do pai não pode ser entendida como determinante para o prejuízo da relação mãe-bebê, pois essa dependerá de como a mãe vivencia esta falta e a transmite para a criança...

Pregnancy causes intense emotions in women’s lives and encourages changes of several orders, which by itself already shows that this period is experienced with some difficulties, which can intensify when the baby’s father is not present. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the formation of single motherhood among pregnant women. Participated in nine primiparous women who were unmarried and in the last trimester of pregnancy. The qualitative content analysis revealed that the formation of single mothers into motherhood was associated with both the body changes, such as psychological and social, which eventually interfere in intrapsychic and inter-relational pregnant women. The experience of motherhood appeared linked to feelings of sadness, anger and loneliness and doubt about the desire to keep the baby. It was noticed, too, a gradual process of acceptance of pregnancy, especially if the mother had the support of family members. Finally, it is plausible to think that even being a single mother could result in an overload of tasks, especially during pregnancy and early years of childhood, their father’s absence can not be understood as a determinant for the loss of the mother-baby because this will depend on how the mother experiences this failure and transmits to the child...

El embarazo provoca intensas emociones en la vida de la mujer e incita cambios de diversas ordenes, lo que, por si solo, ya hace con que ese período sea vivenciado con algunas dificultades, que se pueden intensificar cuando el padre del bebé no está presente. En ese sentido, el objetivo de este estudio fue investigar la constitución de la maternidad en gestantes solteras. Participaron nueve mujeres primíparas y solteras que estaban en el último trimestre de la gestación. El análisis de contenido cualitativo reveló que la constitución de la maternidad en madres solteras estuvo asociada tanto con las transformaciones corporales, como con las psicológicas y sociales, que acabaron por interferir en el ámbito intra psíquico y de relaciones de las gestantes. La vivencia de la maternidad apareció relacionada a sentimientos de tristeza, enojo, soledad y a dudas sobre el deseo de estar con el bebé. Se percibe, también, un gradual proceso de aceptación de la gestación, especialmente si la gestante contaba con el apoyo de familiares. Por fin, es posible pensar que al mismo tiempo que ser madre soltera posa implicar en una sobrecarga de tareas, especialmente en la gestación y en los primeros años de vida del niño, la ausencia del padre no puede ser entendida como determinante para el prejuicio de la relación madre-bebé, pues esa dependerá de como la madre vivencia esta falta y la transmite a la crianza...