Adolescent Pregnancy And Its Outcome - A Community Based Prospective Study

Abstract

Background and Objectives Adolescent pregnancy is dangerous for the mother, child and the community. Teenage girls are twice as likely to die of pregnancy and childbirth related complications as opposed to older women. Present study was undertaken to know the complications and outcomes of adolescent pregnancy and to study the various socio-demographic factors associated. Methods This one year community based prospective study was done in a rural PHC area comprising of 5 subcentres namely Kakati A, Kakati B, Honaga, Bhutramanahatti and Vantamuri. A total of 144 adolescent pregnant women, aged between 15-19 years were selected for the study. Information on socio-demographic variables, adolescent pregnancy complications and outcome was recorded in 3 visits. Results In the current study majority, 34.1% participants were of 19 years age, 90.3% adolescents were housewives and 48.6% had studied up to high school. The mean age of marriage was 16 years and 79.2% of them were primigravidae. Traditional practices (68.8%) were the commonest reason for early marriage and family pressure (46.5%) was the often cited reason for early pregnancy. Pedal edema was seen in 22.7% of the study subjects and PIH in 7.1% of them. Anemia was noted in 77.1% of the individuals and 21.9% delivered through cesarean section with malpresentation (35.5%) being the most repeated indication. Preterm deliveries were present in 31.9% of the teenagers and a majority (63.9%) of pregnancies ended in full term delivery and still birth was present in 4.8% of the teens. Abortions occurred in 2.1% of the girls and the LBW was present in 38.3% of the babies born. Conclusion In this study, the mean age of participants was 17.8 years and this occurrence of pregnancy in teenage leads to various complications like anemia, pregnancy induced hypertension, prolonged labor, operative delivery, low birth weight and adverse outcomes