The field of maternal and child health has increasingly recognized the unique challenges faced by pregnant adolescents and young women. This demographic often encounters adverse health behaviors such as inadequate antenatal care, poor nutrition, physical inactivity, and mental health issues, which can lead to severe pregnancy complications. Recent studies have highlighted the prevalence of risk factors like hypertension, obesity, gestational diabetes, and sexually transmitted diseases among pregnant adolescents, exacerbated by a lack of awareness and inadequate treatment. While various interventions have been proposed to address these issues, there remains a significant gap in understanding the socio-cultural, economic, psychological, and environmental determinants that influence health behaviors in this group. This research topic aims to fill these gaps by exploring innovative strategies and evidence-based interventions tailored to the needs of pregnant adolescents and young women.

This research topic aims to investigate and develop interventions that improve health behaviors and their determinants among pregnant adolescents and young women. The primary objectives include identifying effective strategies for enhancing prenatal care utilization, nutritional practices, physical activity, mental health management, and contraceptive decision-making. Additionally, the research will explore the underlying determinants such as beliefs, attitudes, social norms, self-efficacy, and the influence of male relationships. By addressing these factors, the goal is to empower pregnant adolescents and young women to make informed choices, ultimately leading to better maternal and neonatal health outcomes.

To gather further insights into the range and limitations of this research topic, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Novel methods of community engagement, recruitment, and retention in existing research studies
- Feasibility, concept, or cost-effectiveness studies
- Health systems, healthcare workers, or community-based interventions
- Ethical considerations related to behavioral intervention research in pregnancy
- The role of males in pregnancy outcomes (such as sexual partners, fathers, or other family members)

By focusing on these themes, we aim to create a comprehensive collection of studies that illuminate the complex interplay of factors affecting health behaviors in pregnant adolescents and young women, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

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Frontiers in Reproductive Health

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