Determinants of Outcome of Teenage Pregnancy: A Case–Control Study from A Rural Hospital of Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Background: Adolescent pregnancy is increasing, emerging as a serious problem all over the world and more so in developing countries like India. Teenage girls are physically immature for reproduction and also more vulnerable to complications during child birth. But various contrasting results are found in studies done on teenage mothers. Thus, this study was undertaken to see the outcome of teenage and non-teenage mothers. Aim & Objective: To compare various clinical aspects and perinatal outcomes of teenage pregnancy compared to non -teenage pregnancy. Settings and Design: A case control study was conducted among mothers who have delivered in a tertiary care hospital from a rural Maharashtra. Methods and Material: Interview was conducted about socio clinical aspects and perinatal outcome among 50 teen and 50 non teen mothers. Statistical analysis used: Chi square test was used to assess the level of significance among two groups for various aspects. Results: Anaemia (38%), followed by oligohydramnios (22.8%) the most common clinical problems among teenage mothers. Oligohydramnios and preeclampsia occurred significantly more in teenage mothers (p = 0.02and 0.007) than in non-teenage mothers. Conclusions: The present study shows that anaemia, oligohydramnios, preterm delivery and low birthweight were more prevalent among teenage mothers than among non-teenage mothers.