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Assimamaw NT, Alemu TG, Techane MA, Wubneh CA, Belay GM, Tamir TT, Muhye AB, Kassie DG, Wondim A, Terefe B, Tarekegn BT, Ali MS, Fentie B, Gonete AT, Tekeba B, Kassa SF, Desta BK, Ayele AD, Dessie MT, Atalell KA. Spatial distribution of pregnancy and early motherhood among late adolescent girls in Ethiopia using data from the Ethiopia Demographics and Health Survey 2019: Spatial and multilevel analyses. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0306170. [PMID: 39088572 PMCID: PMC11293653 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Various governmental and non-governmental organizations in Ethiopia are striving to decrease adolescent pregnancy by enacting laws against early marriage, developing a national youth and adolescent reproductive health strategy, legalizing abortion, and developing an HIV/AIDS policy for youth; however, the issue of teenage pregnancy& early motherhood remains a major concern. METHODS Data were obtained from the Ethiopian Demographics and Health Survey (EDHS) in 2019. A total sample of 2210 adolescents was included in our study. Spatial autocorrelation, hotspot analysis, and spatial interpolation were used to observe significant spatial variation and clustering and to predict the prevalence of pregnancy in an unsampled area among adolescent girls in Ethiopia; a multilevel binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with the outcome variable. The adjusted odds ratio was calculated with a 95% confidence interval, and the variables with a p-value 0.05 in the multivariable multilevel logistic regression were determined to be statistically significant. RESULTS Global spatial autocorrelation analyses showed that the spatial distribution of late-adolescent pregnancy and early motherhood varied across Ethiopia (the Global Moran's Index I value showed GMI = 0.014, P 0.001). The spatial distribution revealed a high cluster (hot spot) of late-adolescent pregnancy and early motherhood in most parts of Gambella, Afar, Benishangul-Gumuz, the eastern part of Oromia, and Somalia. In the multivariable multilevel analysis, being 17 years old (AOR = 3.43; 95% CI: 1.54-7.59), 18 years old (AOR = 14.92; 95% CI: 6.78-32.8), and 19 years old (AOR = 8.44; 95% CI: 4.06, 17.56), married (AOR = 25.38; 95% CI: 15.33, 42.02), having completed primary, secondary, and higher education (AOR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.21-0.95), and being at Gambela (AOR = 3.64; 95% CI: 1.04, 12.75) were significant predictors of late adolescent pregnancy and early motherhood. CONCLUSION Overall, the prevalence of late-adolescent pregnancy and early motherhood was found to be high. At the individual level, marital status, educational attainment, and age of adolescents were significant predictors of pregnancy and early motherhood, and regions were found at a community level associated with pregnancy and early motherhood among late adolescents. Therefore, late-adolescent girls should be educated about menstruation, sexual intercourse, pregnancy, and contraceptives before they reach early adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nega Tezera Assimamaw
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Tewodros Getaneh Alemu
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Masresha Asmare Techane
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Chalachew Adugna Wubneh
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Getaneh Mulualem Belay
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Tadesse Tarik Tamir
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Addis Bilal Muhye
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Destaye Guadie Kassie
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Amare Wondim
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Bewuketu Terefe
- School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Bethelihem Tigabu Tarekegn
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Mohammed Seid Ali
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Beletech Fentie
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Almaz Tefera Gonete
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Berhan Tekeba
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Selam Fisiha Kassa
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Bogale Kassahun Desta
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Amare Demsie Ayele
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Melkamu Tilahun Dessie
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Kendalem Asmare Atalell
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Chavula MP, Zulu JM, Goicolea I, Hurtig AK. Unlocking policy synergies, challenges and contradictions influencing implementation of the Comprehensive Sexuality Education Framework in Zambia: a policy analysis. Health Res Policy Syst 2023; 21:97. [PMID: 37710251 PMCID: PMC10500755 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-023-01037-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) has recently become salient, but adolescent sexual reproductive health and rights (ASRHR) challenges are still a global health problem. Studying policies which have implications for CSE implementation is a crucial but neglected issue, especially in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) like Zambia. We analyzed policy synergies, challenges and contradictions influencing implementation of CSE framework in Zambia. METHODS We conducted a document review and qualitative interviews with key stakeholders from Non-Governmental Organizations, as well as health and education ministries at the National and all (10) provincial headquarters. Our methods allowed us to capture valuable insights into the synergies, challenges and contradictions that exist in promoting CSE framework in Zambia. RESULTS The study highlighted the synergies between policies that create opportunities for implementation of CSE through the policy window for adoption of sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR) that opened around the 1990s in Zambia, promotion of inclusive development via education, adoption of an integrated approach in dealing with SRHR problems, and criminalization of gender-based violence (GBV). This analysis also identified the policy challenges and contradictions including restricted delivery of education on contraception in schools; defining childhood: dual legal controversies and implications for children, grey zones on the minimum age to access SRHR services; inadequate disability inclusiveness in SRHR legal frameworks; policy silences/contentious topics: LGBTQI + rights, abortion, and grey zones on the minimum age to access SRHR services. CONCLUSION While many policies support the implementation of CSE in schools, the existence of policy silences and challenges are among the barriers affecting CSE implementation. Thus, policy reformulation is required to address policy silences and challenges to enhance effective promotion and integration of the CSE framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malizgani Paul Chavula
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
- Department of Health Policy Management, Promotion and Education, School of Public Health, The University of Zambia, Ridgeway Campus, Box 50110, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Joseph Mumba Zulu
- Department of Health Policy Management, Promotion and Education, School of Public Health, The University of Zambia, Ridgeway Campus, Box 50110, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Isabel Goicolea
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Anna-Karin Hurtig
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
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Subramanian A, Azcoaga-Lorenzo A, Anand A, Phillips K, Lee SI, Cockburn N, Fagbamigbe AF, Damase-Michel C, Yau C, McCowan C, O'Reilly D, Santorelli G, Hope H, Kennedy JI, Abel KM, Eastwood KA, Locock L, Black M, Loane M, Moss N, Plachcinski R, Thangaratinam S, Brophy S, Agrawal U, Vowles Z, Brocklehurst P, Dolk H, Nelson-Piercy C, Nirantharakumar K. Polypharmacy during pregnancy and associated risk factors: a retrospective analysis of 577 medication exposures among 1.5 million pregnancies in the UK, 2000-2019. BMC Med 2023; 21:21. [PMID: 36647047 PMCID: PMC9843951 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02722-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of medications prescribed during pregnancy has increased over the past few decades. Few studies have described the prevalence of multiple medication use among pregnant women. This study aims to describe the overall prevalence over the last two decades among all pregnant women and those with multimorbidity and to identify risk factors for polypharmacy in pregnancy. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted between 2000 and 2019 using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) pregnancy register. Prescription records for 577 medication categories were obtained. Prevalence estimates for polypharmacy (ranging from 2+ to 11+ medications) were presented along with the medications commonly prescribed individually and in pairs during the first trimester and the entire pregnancy period. Logistic regression models were performed to identify risk factors for polypharmacy. RESULTS During the first trimester (812,354 pregnancies), the prevalence of polypharmacy ranged from 24.6% (2+ medications) to 0.1% (11+ medications). During the entire pregnancy period (774,247 pregnancies), the prevalence ranged from 58.7 to 1.4%. Broad-spectrum penicillin (6.6%), compound analgesics (4.5%) and treatment of candidiasis (4.3%) were commonly prescribed. Pairs of medication prescribed to manage different long-term conditions commonly included selective beta 2 agonists or selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Risk factors for being prescribed 2+ medications during the first trimester of pregnancy include being overweight or obese [aOR: 1.16 (1.14-1.18) and 1.55 (1.53-1.57)], belonging to an ethnic minority group [aOR: 2.40 (2.33-2.47), 1.71 (1.65-1.76), 1.41 (1.35-1.47) and 1.39 (1.30-1.49) among women from South Asian, Black, other and mixed ethnicities compared to white women] and smoking or previously smoking [aOR: 1.19 (1.18-1.20) and 1.05 (1.03-1.06)]. Higher and lower age, higher gravidity, increasing number of comorbidities and increasing level of deprivation were also associated with increased odds of polypharmacy. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of polypharmacy during pregnancy has increased over the past two decades and is particularly high in younger and older women; women with high BMI, smokers and ex-smokers; and women with multimorbidity, higher gravidity and higher levels of deprivation. Well-conducted pharmaco-epidemiological research is needed to understand the effects of multiple medication use on the developing foetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuradhaa Subramanian
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Amaya Azcoaga-Lorenzo
- Division of Population and Behavioural Sciences, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Astha Anand
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Katherine Phillips
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Siang Ing Lee
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Neil Cockburn
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Adeniyi Francis Fagbamigbe
- Division of Population and Behavioural Sciences, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Christine Damase-Michel
- Medical and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Université Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
- INSERM, Center for Epidemiology and Research in Population Health (CERPOP), Toulouse, CIC 1436, France
| | - Christopher Yau
- Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Health Data Research UK, Oxford, UK
| | - Colin McCowan
- Division of Population and Behavioural Sciences, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Dermot O'Reilly
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | | | - Holly Hope
- Centre for Women's Mental Health, Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine & Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Kathryn M Abel
- Centre for Women's Mental Health, Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine & Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Kelly-Ann Eastwood
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast, UK
- St Michael's Hospital, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Louise Locock
- Health Services Research Unit, School of Medicine, Medical Science and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Mairead Black
- Aberdeen Centre for Women's Health Research, School of Medicine, Medical Science and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Maria Loane
- Centre for Maternal, Fetal and Infant Research, The Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
| | - Ngawai Moss
- Patient and Public Representative, London, UK
| | | | - Shakila Thangaratinam
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Women's Health, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Sinead Brophy
- Data Science, Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Utkarsh Agrawal
- Division of Population and Behavioural Sciences, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Zoe Vowles
- Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Peter Brocklehurst
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Helen Dolk
- Centre for Maternal, Fetal and Infant Research, The Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
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[Unplanned pregnancy-now what? : Effectiveness and acceptance of medical teaching units for primary and secondary prevention in schools]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2021; 64:1398-1407. [PMID: 34550413 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-021-03423-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The German Medical Society for Health Promotion (ÄGGF) has developed a school-based teaching unit for students in grade 8 and higher that aims at primary and secondary prevention of unplanned pregnancies. AIMS The accompanying evaluation study analyzes the effects of the teaching unit on the students' knowledge and their experience with self-efficacy concerning unplanned pregnancies. METHODS A two-armed cluster-randomized controlled study was conducted using a ten-page anonymous questionnaire with a closed answer format before and after the intervention. RESULTS In the first survey, 1855 students participated; 1523 students participated in the second. Participants in the intervention group showed a greater increase in knowledge over time. Compared to the control group, they showed an increased intention to use the pill and condoms as well as a marked increase in self-efficacy in the case of an unplanned pregnancy. Furthermore, they significantly corrected their perception of the age at which same-aged boys start having sexual intercourse. All effects remained stable when covariates were controlled. The teaching units were highly accepted: more than 90% of the participants stated that they would recommend them to other students. DISCUSSION A school-based medical teaching unit about the prevention of unplanned teenage pregnancies was able to contribute to the improvement of students' knowledge and competency. The intervention itself was highly accepted within the target group.
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Gunawardena N, Fantaye AW, Yaya S. Predictors of pregnancy among young people in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and narrative synthesis. BMJ Glob Health 2019; 4:e001499. [PMID: 31263589 PMCID: PMC6570986 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2019-001499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sub-Saharan Africa has among the highest prevalence of teenage pregnancy in the world. Teenage mothers and their children are at risk to a host of medical, social and economic challenges. Adolescent pregnancy is a significant cost to the mother and newborn child, and also to their family and the wider society. Despite measures taken by some sub-Saharan nations to tackle the issue of adolescent pregnancy, the phenomenon remains a public health concern that is widespread throughout the region. Currently, there are few studies that examine the predictors of teenage pregnancy in the sub-Saharan region. The objective of the present study was to systematically review predictors of pregnancy among young people in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods A literature search was conducted using Medline, CINAHL and EMBASE electronic databases. Following duplicate removal, abstract and full-text screening, 15 studies were ultimately included in the final review. Narrative synthesis was used to synthesise the qualitative and quantitative findings. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses. Results Twenty-seven predictors of teenage pregnancy were identified and grouped into six themes (Partner and peer-related predictors; Sexual health knowledge, attitude and behaviour-related predictors; Parenting and family-related predictors; Economic, environmental and cultural predictors; Personal predictors; and Quality of healthcare services predictors). The most obvious predictors included sexual coercion and pressure from male partners, low or incorrect use of contraceptives, and poor parenting or low parental communication and support. Conclusion This review emphasises that the large prevalence of adolescent pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa is attributable to multiple predictors that our study was able to group into six themes. Policy changes and programmes must be implemented in sub-Saharan Africa to address these determinants in order to reduce adolescent pregnancy within the region.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sanni Yaya
- School of International Development and Global Studies, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Yakubu I, Salisu WJ. Determinants of adolescent pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review. Reprod Health 2018; 15:15. [PMID: 29374479 PMCID: PMC5787272 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-018-0460-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adolescent pregnancy has been persistently high in sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this review is to identify factors influencing adolescent pregnancies in sub-Saharan Africa in order to design appropriate intervention program. Methods A search in MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of science, and Google Scholar databases with the following keywords: determinants, factors, reasons, sociocultural factors, adolescent pregnancy, unintended pregnancies, and sub- Saharan Africa. Qualitative and cross-sectional studies intended to assess factors influencing adolescent pregnancies as the primary outcome variable in sub- Saharan Africa were included. Our search was limited to, articles published from the year 2000 to 2017 in English. Twenty-four (24) original articles met the inclusion criteria. Results The study identified Sociocultural, environmental and Economic factors (Peer influence, unwanted sexual advances from adult males, coercive sexual relations, unequal gender power relations, poverty, religion, early marriage, lack of parental counseling and guidance, parental neglect, absence of affordable or free education, lack of comprehensive sexuality education, non-use of contraceptives, male’s responsibility to buy condoms, early sexual debut and inappropriate forms of recreation). Individual factors (excessive use of alcohol, substance abuse, educational status, low self-esteem, and inability to resist sexual temptation, curiosity, and cell phone usage). Health service-related factors (cost of contraceptives, Inadequate and unskilled health workers, long waiting time and lack of privacy at clinics, lack of comprehensive sexuality education, misconceptions about contraceptives, and non-friendly adolescent reproductive services,) as influencing adolescent pregnancies in Sub-Saharan Africa Conclusion High levels of adolescent pregnancies in Sub-Saharan Africa is attributable to multiple factors. Our study, however, categorized these factors into three major themes; sociocultural and economic, individual, and health service related factors as influencing adolescent pregnancies. Community sensitization, comprehensive sexuality education and ensuring girls enroll and stay in schools could reduce adolescent pregnancy rates. Also, provision of adolescent-friendly health services in schools and healthcare centers and initiating adolescent empowerment programs could have a positive impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Yakubu
- School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, International Campus, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Waliu Jawula Salisu
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, International Campus, Tehran, Iran
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Khashan AS, Baker PN, Kenny LC. Preterm birth and reduced birthweight in first and second teenage pregnancies: a register-based cohort study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2010; 10:36. [PMID: 20618921 PMCID: PMC2909926 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2393-10-36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2010] [Accepted: 07/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Higher risks of preterm birth and small for gestational age babies have been reported in teenagers. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between first and second teenage pregnancies and preterm birth, birthweight and small for gestational age (SGA). Methods All women aged 14 to 29 yrs who gave birth to live singletons in the North Western Region of England between January 1st 2004 and December 31st 2006 were identified. Women were classified in three groups; 14-17 yrs, 18-19 yrs and 20-29 yrs (reference group). The outcome measures were preterm birth, very preterm birth, birthweight, SGA (< 5th percentile), very SGA (VSGA< 3rd percentile). We compared these outcome measures in teenagers' first and second pregnancies with those of mothers aged 20 to 29 yrs. Results The risk of preterm birth was increased in first (OR = 1.21, [95% CI: 1.01-1.45]) and second (OR = 1.93, [95% CI: 1.38-2.69]) time mothers aged 14-17 yrs compared to the reference group. Birthweight was reduced in the first (mean difference = -24 g; [95% CI: -40, -7]) and second (mean difference = -80 g; [95% CI: -115, -46]) time mothers aged 14-17 yrs compared to the reference group. There was some evidence of a protective effect against VSGA in 14-17 yr old first time mothers (OR = 0.79, [95% CI: 0.63-0.99]). Conclusions Teenage mothers are at increased risk of preterm birth compared to adult mothers and this risk is further increased in second time teen pregnancies. This study highlights the importance of ensuring pregnant teenagers have appropriate antenatal care. A first pregnancy may be the first and only time a pregnant teenager interacts with health services and this opportunity for health education and the promotion of contraception should not be overlooked.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali S Khashan
- Anu Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
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