Pregnancy outcomes in adolescents: a case-control study in the West of Iran

Abstract

Background: Adolescent pregnancy, pregnancy in women aged between 13-19 years, is considered a major health problem. Objective: This study was performed to determine the maternal, perinatal, and neonatal outcomes of adolescent pregnancies. Materials and Methods: The present hospital-based case-control study was performed on pregnant women who were referred to Fatemieh Hospital in Hamadan City for delivery. The case group was pregnant women whose gestational age was less than 19 years (adolescent pregnancy) and the control group included pregnant women whose gestational age was at 19-35 years (adult women pregnancy). Data were analyzed using Stata software version 14. The significant level was considered less than 0.05. Results: The unwanted pregnancy was significantly higher in adolescent women (45% vs. 28.5%, P=0.002). 18% of adolescent women had the experience of spouse violence compared to 4.25% in the control group (P<0.001). Accessing prenatal care and supplements were significantly higher in adult women (P<0.05). The adult mothers had significantly higher cesarean section delivery compared adolescent group (54.91% vs. 33%, P<0.001). Also, there was a significant association between postpartum hemorrhages and the study group (22% in cases compared to 13.75% in the control group, P=0.04). The Apgar score 1 minute was significantly higher in adult mothers (8.05±2.08 vs. 7.39±2.05, P<0.001). Conclusion: In conclusion, adolescent mothers in the west of Iran had a higher risk of inadequate prenatal care, low Apgar score and postpartum hemorrhage. Therefore, society should focus on public health policies that can improve the adequacy of prenatal care among adolescents.