Experiences and Coping Strategies of School Going Breastfeeding Adolescents from Katima-Mulilo and Sesheke Secondary Schools in Sesheke district, Western Province of Zambia

Background: The re-entry policy was introduced in Zambia 1997 to allow pregnant girls continue their education. However, the increase dropout rates among re-entered adolescents has become a significant concern schools, so it is necessary explore and understand lived experiences of school-going breastfeeding adolescents. needs be revised protect adolescent (SGBA) from challenges related mothering while schooling. study aimed coping strategies SGBA Secondary Schools Western Province Zambia. Subjects Method: employed descriptive phenomenology design—the research sample comprised sixteen (16) participants. Fourteen (14) after maternity leave. Nine (9) Sesheke five Katima-Mulilo secondary including two (2) guidance teachers, one (1) each school. A purposive sampling technique without maximum variation used. Data generation through in-depth, semi-structured interview guides which were audio recorded. In addition, data underwent manual Microsoft word coding accompanied by Nvivo version 11 thematic analysis. Results: findings revealed that experienced many pursuing completing ranged combining roles schooling mothering, financial challenges, stigma discrimination, poor academic performance lack space within school premises, minimal support peers authority. Conclusion: shows numerous faced Therefore, Ministry Education, parents other stakeholders should review amend enable respond girls’ improve stay performance. Keywords: Coping Strategies, Breastfeeding, Adolescents, Experiences, School-going. Correspondence: Mooto Mutakatala, Department Midwifery Women Child Health, Faculty Midwifery, University Zambia, Lusaka, School Nursing Sciences P O BOX 50110. Email: mooto­muta­ka­[email protected]. Mobile:+26 0977502912. Journal Maternal Health (2022), 08(03): 370-381 https://doi.org/10.26911/thejmch.2023.08.03.12