FACTORS INFLUENCING TEENAGE PREGNANCIES AND ITS COMPLICATIONS AMONG THE RURAL POPULATION OF CHENGALPATTU DISTRICT – A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: Teen pregnancy is a social and cultural issue that has widespread effects on people's psychological makeup, society, and the economy of the country. Teen pregnancy is mostly a social issue with medical implications. Pregnancy in the 13–19 age range is considered 'teenage pregnancy.' This research aims to study the various Clinico-socio-demographic factors that inuence teenage pregnancies. Materials & Methods: This is a cross sectional study with a required sample size of 94, however, a total of 100 participants were enrolled. After obtaining the informed consent from the participants a pre-tested semi structured questionnaire was used to collect the details regarding the participants and was lled using interview method. The collected data was analyzed using IBM-SPSS software. Results: Amajority of over 90% of pregnancies were seen in the ages 18 and 19, and from the educational status of middle and high school. Almost all of the pregnancies reported were from married women. Majority of the participants (62%) had normal labour, while 29% underwent LSCS. Forceps was used in 5% of the participants while 3% had an abortion (personal/ health reasons). Furthermore, 94% of the participants were primigravida. The percentage distribution of antenatal care among teenagers showed 24 patients were not booked and had just one check-up elsewhere. 76 patients were booked and had regular antenatal care and most of the participants were immunised with at least one dose of TT. Conclusion: Pregnancy can have a tremendous impact on the adolescent women and her family. The adolescents should be educated on both the physical and mental health complications of early pregnancy and regarding the safe sexual practices. Teenagers tend to book late for pregnancy and do not make proper use of the facilities for antenatal care. Once the teen is pregnant, the goal should be comprehensive, medical, psychosocial and educational support, and must continue to focus on the unique needs of adolescent parents and their children.