Young motherhood and socio-ecological vulnerabilities : a systematic review

Allan, Okeyo and Garnet, Ochieng’ Okeyo (2026) Young motherhood and socio-ecological vulnerabilities : a systematic review. GRADUS, 13 (1). ISSN 2064-8014

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Abstract

Early motherhood remain a significant global health concern, particularly in regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa and parts of North America. This systematic review, registered with PROSPERO 2025 CRD420251134733, explored the interplay of socio-ecological challenges that impact young mothers by applying Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory. Based on a rigorous PRISMA-guided search across six databases, 47 peer-reviewed articles published between 2014 and 2025 were selected for in-depth analysis. The review incorporated both qualitative and quantitative coding conducted using ATLAS.ti, with codes organized into twelve major themes. The study highlights pertinent issues including health system barriers, psycho-social risks, educational and economic precarity, policy failures, and structural inequalities. Framing controversies around the term “vulnerability” are discussed, with a shift toward conceptualizing young motherhood through the lens of structural disadvantage. A code co-occurrence analyses, and ecological overlays supported a holistic understanding of young maternal experiences. The review concludes by proposing an integrative, system-sensitive framework for supporting young mothers and guiding future research, policy, and practice.

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