Table 4 Postpartum adolescents’ understanding of IPT-G intervention

Overall impact of IPT (Reduce social isolation, anger, hopelessness, low mood)

“I used to stay in the house asking myself 'who am I for sure? Whose friend can I be?' ‘so, I feel like even taking poison, I think of many things; but I have seen a great difference; when he comes and we disagree it means verbal exchange of all kinds [Laugh] I talk and talk he gets angry and leave only to return very late at night - -.” (NC, age 24, Kariobangi)

“It was worse until hey! I used to keep quiet so much because I used to feel whenever somebody talks to me just a little then I get angry and I just wish that we fight [Laughter] I mean I used to get extremely angry- -.” (JA, age 22, Kariobangi)

“I was depressed but I had several regrets as I was just questioning myself but nowadays it is over. The regrets were 'why have I become pregnant early?” (LA, age 19, Kariobangi)

“I am another one; whenever someone could anger me just a little I could moody, sitting in the bed with tears, and when I cook the food cannot even be eaten because of too much salt [Laughter] or raw ugali; but for now I have changed and I am good, even if you talk I act like I am not hearing or I go and sit outside and come back when he is quiet.” (JN, age 21, Kariobangi)

“Before I joined this group, I was so depressed; I used to be an angry person, my anger was so much near, even if someone wrongs me where we live then I carry it into the house on the kids and even on the husband; but since I came here, I have changed.” (LA, age 19, Kariobangi)

“- - at the moment I am stress-free and I just know how I can handle it; I sleep and wake up when I have forgotten those things but I normally thank God because I have never had stress.” (RJ, age 23, Kangemi)