Mapping evidence on support networks and their impact on postnatal teenage mothers’ mental health in a global context: A scoping review

Abstract

Background: Postnatal teenage mothers faced unique mental health challenges because of the combined effects of adolescence and early motherhood. While the importance of support networks was acknowledged, a comprehensive understanding of their influence across global and African contexts remains limited. Aim: This scoping review aimed to map existing research on support networks available to postnatal teenage mothers and explored their impact on mental health outcomes. The review included studies from healthcare and community settings across South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, United Kingdom, Indonesia, Turkey, Canada, Mozambique, Brazil, Iran, Jordan and Nairobi. Method: A systematic search identified 15 articles published between 2020 and 2025 from Web of Science, EBSCOhost, ProQuest, Google Scholar, and PubMed. Studies using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches were included after Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-guided screening of 1242 records, with data thematically synthesised. Results: Ten main themes emerged from thematic analysis of the included studies, namely lack of family support, lack of healthcare professional support, digital support, financial support, emotional support, physical support, absence and accessibility of partner or spousal support, lack of social support, mental conditions and support in developed settings. Family’s emotional or practical support protected against postpartum depression and anxiety, while partner involvement and financial stability significantly influenced outcomes. Digital support showed promise where formal services lacked accessibility. Conclusion: Integrated, adolescent-sensitive support networks proved critical for promoting mental health among postnatal teenage mothers. Addressing service gaps, social stigma and strengthening family or partner support remained essential for improving well-being in this vulnerable group. Contribution: This review mapped support network types and their mental health impacts, providing evidence for targeted policy development and clinical interventions tailored to teenage mothers’ unique needs across diverse global contexts.