(P23-38-26) Adolescent and Young Mothers’ Experiences With a Combined Nutrition and Livelihood Intervention in Cape Coast, Ghana: A Qualitative Exploration

Objectives: Adolescent and young mothers face overlapping nutrition and livelihood constraints that affect their own and their children’s dietary needs and financial security. This study examined adolescents and young mothers’ experiences with a nutrition education and soap-making intervention in Ghana, focusing on its impacts, challenges, sustainability, and areas for improvement.

Methods: We conducted a qualitative endline study among adolescents and young mothers aged 15–24 years who completed a 6-month combined nutrition education and soap-making livelihood intervention as part of the Healthy Adolescent Nutrition in Ghana (HANIG) project in Cape Coast, Ghana. Four focus group discussions were conducted with 26 participants (6–7 per group) using semi-structured guides. Discussions were audio recorded, transcribed and analyzed using an abductive thematic approach by three coders to identify perceived impacts, barriers, and sustainability factors.

Results: Participants reported improved nutrition knowledge and household food practices, including budgeting, food safety, reduced use of artificial seasonings, and increased fruit and protein consumption. Many reported better child feeding practices alongside perceived gains in appetite, energy, and growth. The soap-making component enhanced household hygiene and income, fostering financial relief and self-confidence. Peer interaction supported learning and skill retention. However, sustainability was hindered by limited capital, high input costs, market saturation, and competing childcare and work demands.

Conclusions: Integrated nutrition and livelihood interventions may support improved nutrition practices and economic empowerment among adolescent and young mothers. Addressing structural barriers such as limited startup capital and caregiving constraints and providing post-intervention support may enhance sustainability and maximize impact in similar low-resource settings.

Funding Sources: Oklahoma State University