Maternal and Neonatal Prognosis of Childbirth Among 14 to 19 Years Teenage Girls at the Ordre De Malte Hospital of Djougou, Benin

Abstract

<i>Introduction</i>: Despite advances in clinical care, teenage childbirth is still feared both medically and socially. Because of their immature bodies, teenage girls are more prone to complications during pregnancy and delivery. Objective: This study aimed to investigate maternal and neonatal prognosis of childbirth among 14 to 19 years teenage girls at the Ordre de Malte hospital of Djougou (HZ-OMD) in 2021.<i> Method</i>: For descriptive and analytical purposes, we conducted a prospective study in the gynecology and obstetrics section of the Ordre de Malte hospital of Djougou (HZ-OMD), from January 1 to May 31, 2021 (5 months). The study population consisted of all parturients admitted into the gynecology and obstetrics section of the HZ-OMD throughout the study period. Data were collected through a face-to-face interview using a pre-designed and tested questionnaire, as well as through physical checkup. Pearson's chi-square and Fisher's exact tests have been used as appropriate to determine correlation between variables. <i>Result</i>: A total of 240 participants were included in this study. The teenage girls childbirths rate in the HZ-OMD was 18.3%. Deliveries were vaginal (63.7%) and vaginal (36.3%). The dystocia noted during vaginal delivery were mechanical (15.2%) and dynamic (11%). High blood pressure was found in 28.6% and was complicated by eclampsia in 16.4% of cases. No maternal deaths were recorded. Preterm births and low birthweight represented 21% and 33.33% of these births respectively. Acute fetal distress was noted in 13.75%. The neonatal mortality rate was 106 per 1000 live births. Irregular fetal heart rate and a generally narrowed pelvis were associated 5.14 and 5.86 times respectively with the risk of delivering through cesarean section (p=0.001; p=0.033). Fifth minute Apgar <7, a criteria of fetal morbidity, was significantly associated with low birthweight (p=0.01), preterm delivery (p=0.021), and acute fetal distress (p 0.001). Newborns were 5 times more likely to die when they are of low birthweight (p=0.001). <i>Conclusion</i>: Teenage girls’ childbirth presents huge risks due to the immaturity of their bodies and the poor follow-up of their pregnancies in our settings.