The Community Service Team of the Faculty of Nursing, Hasanuddin University, held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on “Teenage Prenatal Care (TeenCare): A Holistic, Family-Centered Care-Based Intervention to Optimize Maternal and Fetal Health in Teenage Pregnancy” on Thursday (September 11th) at the Kassi-Kassi Community Health Center Hall in Makassar City.
The event was attended by Amalia Anwar, S.K.M., a representative from the Makassar City Health Office, and involved several health workers responsible for the Maternal and Child Health (KIA) program and the Adolescent Care Health Service Program (PKPR).
The opening remarks were given by the head of the research team, Dr. Erfina, S.Kep., Ns., M.Kep., who stated that “Teenage pregnancy is a global issue. Teenage pregnant women are a vulnerable group who face physical, social, and psychological challenges during pregnancy. Therefore, holistic and youth-friendly interventions are essential,” she explained.
At the same time, Amalia Anwar, S.K.M., a representative from the Makassar City Health Office, delivered a keynote address. Amalia expressed her appreciation and support for the research, explaining that the Makassar City Government hopes the research can be developed to strengthen health services. “We hope the model developed can strengthen antenatal care services in every community health center (Puskesmas), especially for pregnant adolescents,” Amalia explained.
Several community health centers participated in the activity, including Ballaparang, Dahlia Antang, Sudiang, Malimongan Baru, Tabaringan, Rappokalling, Jumpandang Baru, Kaluku Bodoa, Pattingalloang, and Kassi-Kassi.
In this FGD, participants were divided into several groups to discuss field experiences, challenges faced by health workers, and determine effective approaches. Facilitators from the research team assisted with this focus, encouraging active discussion and generating strategic input for developing an intervention model for adolescent pregnancy services.
Through this research-based method, the Faculty of Kep Unhas affirmed its commitment to supporting the Makassar City Government’s efforts to improve maternal and child health, especially for vulnerable adolescents. She also expressed her appreciation to the Makassar City Government, the Health Office, all community health centers involved, and the DRTPM (Regional Health Research Center). Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology for its funding support for this activity.
