An Evaluation of Sociodemographic Characteristics and Pregnancy-Related Psychological Problems in Pregnant Adolescents

Abstract

Objectives: Pregnancy in adolescence may involve more psychological problems and socioeconomic difficulties compared to pregnancies in adulthood. The purpose of this study was to identify socioeconomic characteristics and psychological problems that may give rise to such difficulties. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was performed with pregnant women presented to the Istanbul Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital Gynecology and Obstetrics Department. The study group consisted of 85 pregnant adolescents aged 13-19 and the control group consisted of 50 pregnant adults aged 20 or over. Subjects were evaluated by face-to-face interviews using an information form prepared by specialist psychiatrists. Results: The study group and their partners had lower levels of education compared to the control group. The members of the study group had more siblings than the control group. Adolescent pregnants were found to be as ready for motherhood as adults and desire to become pregnant as much as adult pregnants. There was no significant difference between the control group and the study group in terms of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt. The study group described no increase in psychological problems and difficulties during pregnancy. Indeed, periods of intense unease and distress during pregnancy were significantly less than the control group. Conclusion: Adolescent pregnancies are affected by large families and lower levels of education. Contrary to expectation, pregnant adolescents in Turkey reported no greater incidence of psychological problems. This may be due to a sociocultural perception of the functional value of motherhood in the country and to a positive attitude towards adolescent pregnancies.