Abstract
BackgroundAdolescent motherhood (AM) remains a public health problem, especially in low and middle income countries, where approximately 95% of these births occur. Evidence from studies with population representativeness about events associated with AM is limited. We assessed the prevalence of AM, as well as its association with Socioeconomic Factors and Obstetric Outcomes.MethodsA population-based cross-sectional study on maternal and child health of women aged 10 to 49 years, living in the state of Ceará, in northeastern Brazil was carried out to assess the prevalence of AM, as well as its association with Socioeconomic Factors and Obstetric Outcomes. The definition of adolescence used in the study was the one utilized by the WHO. In addition to the interview, data were double-checked according to the information in the government’s pregnancy health booklet. Sample-adjusted logistic models to determine the association of socioeconomic factors and AM, as well as the association of AM with obstetric outcomes, with a causal approach to multivariate analyses, were used.ResultsThe prevalence of adolescent motherhood was 18.6%. Poverty and household crowding were associated with greater chances of AM (p values of 0.038 and < 0.001, respectively), as well as not being in a stable relationship (OR 2.26 (95%CI: 1.67, 3.07), p < 0.001). AM showed a greater chance of not using community health services (p < 0.001), had fewer prenatal consultations (β − 0.432 (95%CI: − 0.75, − 0.10)) and started prenatal care at a later date (β 0.38 (95%CI: 0.21, 0.55), p < 0.001)). AM are also less likely to be tested for HIV and more likely to have urinary tract infections.ConclusionsInterventions aimed at socially-vulnerable adolescents are suggested. However, if pregnant, adolescents should receive proactive and differentiated prenatal care.
Highlights
Adolescent motherhood (AM) remains a matter of public health concern, especially in low-income and developing countries, where approximately 95% of this type of birth occurs [1]
Several factors are associated with AM, and among them lower access to public health services, greater social vulnerability, with lower income and level of schooling, according to a study published in 2018 by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) [3, 4]
In Brazil, the AM rate was higher in the past, with a decrease occurring since the year 2000, but data from the Ministry of Health show that the number of children born to adolescent mothers in Brazil is one of the highest, when compared to Latin American and Caribbean countries, with 68.4 live births for every 1000 adolescents and young women (6.8%)
Summary
Adolescent motherhood (AM) remains a matter of public health concern, especially in low-income and developing countries, where approximately 95% of this type of birth occurs [1]. It is associated with an increased incidence of maternal and fetal complications, in addition to aggravating socioeconomic problems frequently observed in this age group [2]. Adolescent motherhood (AM) remains a public health problem, especially in low and middle income countries, where approximately 95% of these births occur. We assessed the prevalence of AM, as well as its association with Socioeconomic Factors and Obstetric Outcomes
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