Fatores relacionados à gravidez na adolescência: perfil reprodutivo de um grupo de gestantes / Factors related to pregnancy in adolescence: reproductive profile of a group of pregnant women / Factores relacionados con el embarazo en la adolescencia: perfil reproductivo de un grupo de mujeres embarazadas

Objetivo: descrever o perfil reprodutivo de mulheres adolescentes participantes de um grupo de gestantes. Método: estudo descritivo, transversal, documental e retrospectivo realizado através da ficha de cadastro de participantes de um grupo de gestante vinculado ao consultório de enfermagem de uma universidade pública federal do rio de janeiro em 2018. Resultados: analisou-se 59 cadastros. houve predominância de mulheres, jovens (71,2%); solteiras (72,3%); multíparas (56%); que tiveram cesárea como via de parto anteriormente (39%); no segundo trimestre de gestação (61%); tipo de pré-natal público (86,4%); desejando a via de parto vaginal (45,8%) e laqueadura pós-parto como método contraceptivo (30,5%), participaram do grupo sem acompanhantes (79,7%) e desejam visita domiciliar pós-parto (78%). Conclusão: identificou-se a necessidade, fatores relacionados e vulnerabilidades em saúde reprodutiva com vistas a implementação de cuidados primários voltados à promoção da saúde, prevenção de agravos e detecção precoce.

Objective: to describe the reproductive profile of adolescent women participating in a group of pregnant women. Method:descriptive, cross-sectional, documentary and retrospective study carried out through the registration form of participants of a group of pregnant women linked to the nursing office of a federal public university in Rio de Janeiro in 2018. Results: 59 records were analyzed. there was a predominance of women, young people (71.2%); single (72.3%); multiparous (56%); who had previously had a cesarean section (39%); in the second trimester of pregnancy (61%); type of public prenatal care (86.4%); desiring vaginal delivery (45.8%) and postpartum tubal ligation as a contraceptive method (30.5%), participated in the group without companions (79.7%) and desired postpartum home visit (78%). Conclusion: the need, related factors and vulnerabilities in reproductive health were identified with a view to implementing primary care aimed at health promotion, disease prevention and early detection.

Objetivo: describir el perfil reproductivo de mujeres adolescentes participantes de un grupo de gestantes. Método: estudio descriptivo, transversal, documental y retrospectivo realizado a través del formulario de registro de participantes de un grupo de gestantes vinculadas al consultorio de enfermería de una universidad pública federal de Río de Janeiro en 2018. Resultados: se analizaron 59 registros. hubo predominio de mujeres, jóvenes (71,2%); soltero (72,3%); multíparas (56%); que previamente había tenido una cesárea (39%); en el segundo trimestre del embarazo (61%); tipo de atención prenatal pública (86,4%); deseando parto vaginal (45,8%) y ligadura de trompas posparto como método anticonceptivo (30,5%), participaron del grupo sin acompañantes (79,7%) y desearon visita domiciliaria posparto (78%). Conclusión: se identificaron la necesidad, los factores relacionados y las vulnerabilidades en salud reproductiva para la implementación de la atención primaria dirigida a la promoción de la salud, la prevención de enfermedades y la detección temprana.

Adverse Maternal and Delivery Outcomes in Children and Very Young (Age ≤13 Years) US Adolescents Compared With Older Adolescents and Adults.

This study uses a US claims database to compare morbidity and delivery outcomes among pregnant 10- to 13-year-olds vs 14- to 17-year-olds and 18- to 19-year-olds.

Factores sociales y demográficos asociados al embarazo y al embarazo repetido en mujeres adolescentes de Perú / Social and demographic factors associated with pregnancy and repeated pregnancy in adolescent women in Peru

OBJETIVO: Evaluar los factores sociales y demográficos asociados al embarazo y al embarazo repetido en mujeres adolescentes de Perú MÉTODO: Estudio transversal analítico realizado a partir de las encuestas de población ENDES 2009 a 2018 en Perú. Participaron mujeres adolescentes entre 12 y 19 años de edad. Se recogió información de condición de embarazo y características sociales y demográficas. Se aplicó la prueba de χ2 y se calculó la razón de prevalencia ajustada con su intervalo de confianza al 95% usando regresión de Poisson con varianza robusta. RESULTADOS: En el estudio se incluyeron 49 676 mujeres adolescentes. El 12,6% tuvieron un embarazo y el 5,1% tuvieron dos o más embarazos. Se evidenció asociación entre edad, región geográfica, origen étnico, nivel educativo, nivel económico y embarazo adolescente (p < 0,001). Los niveles educativo y económico inferiores presentaron una mayor razón de prevalencia de embarazo adolescente, siendo mayor incluso en situaciones de dos o más embarazos. CONCLUSIONES: En la población de mujeres adolescentes de Perú, el 17,7% estuvieron embarazadas y el 5,1% tuvieron embarazo repetido. Existe asociación entre embarazo adolescente y bajos niveles económico y educativo; esta asociación se incrementa en situaciones de embarazo repetido.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the social and demographic factors associated with pregnancy and repeated pregnancy in adolescent women in Peru. METHOD: Analytical cross-sectional study carried out from the ENDES population surveys 2009 to 2018 in Peru. Adolescent women between 12 and 19 years of age participated. Information on pregnancy status and number of children was collected, as well as social and demographic characteristics. The χ2 test was applied, the adjusted prevalence ratio with its 95% confidence interval was calculated using Poisson regression with robust variance. RESULTS: 49 676 adolescent women were included in the study. The 17.7% had one or more pregnancies and 5.1% two or more pregnancies. The analysis showed an association between geographic region, age, ethnic origin, educational level, economic level and adolescent pregnancy (p < 0.001). The lower levels of educational level and economic level presented a higher prevalence ratio of adolescent pregnancy, being higher even in situations of two or more pregnancies. CONCLUSIONS: In the population of adolescent women in Peru, 17.7% were pregnant and 5.1% had repeated pregnancy. Adolescent pregnancy is associated with low economic and educational levels; this association increases in situations of repeated pregnancy.

Early age at first childbirth and skilled birth attendance during delivery among young women in sub-Saharan Africa.

BACKGROUND: Despite the numerous policy interventions targeted at preventing early age at first childbirth globally, the prevalence of adolescent childbirth remains high. Meanwhile, skilled birth attendance is considered essential in preventing childbirth-related complications and deaths among adolescent mothers. Therefore, we estimated the prevalence of early age at first childbirth and skilled birth attendance among young women in sub-Saharan Africa and investigated the association between them. METHODS: Demographic and Health Survey data of 29 sub-Saharan African countries was utilized. Skilled birth attendance and age at first birth were the outcome and the key explanatory variables in this study respectively. Overall, a total of 52,875 young women aged 20-24 years were included in our study. A multilevel binary logistic regression analysis was performed and the results presented as crude and adjusted odds ratios at 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Approximately 73% of young women had their first birth when they were less than 20 years with Chad having the highest proportion (85.7%) and Rwanda recording the lowest (43.3%). The average proportion of those who had skilled assistance during delivery in the 29 sub-Saharan African countries was 75.3% and this ranged from 38.4% in Chad to 93.7% in Rwanda. Young women who had their first birth at the age of 20-24 were more likely to have skilled birth attendance during delivery (aOR = 2.4, CI = 2.24-2.53) than those who had their first birth before 20 years. CONCLUSION: Early age at first childbirth has been found to be associated with low skilled assistance during delivery. These findings re-emphasize the need for sub-Saharan African countries to implement programs that will sensitize and encourage the patronage of skilled birth attendance among young women in order to reduce complications and maternal mortalities. The lower likelihood of skilled birth attendance among young women who had their first birth when they were adolescents could mean that this cohort of young women face some barriers in accessing maternal healthcare services.

Pregnancy in adolescence in Brazil: associated factors with maternal age / Gravidez na adolescência no Brasil: fatores associados à idade materna

Abstract Objectives: describing maternal characteristics, risk behavior, obstetric data, prenatal care and childbirth in adolescent mothers in Brazil (age groups: 12-16 years and 17-19 years). Methods: hospital-based cross-sectional study substantiated by Nascer no Brasil", (Born in Brazil) data. The study encompassed puerperal adolescent mothers from all regions in the country, and their newborns. Chi-square test was used to compare adolescents in the 12-16 years old age group and those in the 17-19 years old age group. Results: pregnant women in the 12-16 years old age group mostly lived in the Northeast of Brazil (p=0.014); most of them did not have a partner (p<0.001), unplanned pregnancy (p<0.001), they had inadequate schooling for their age (p=0.033), had less than six prenatal consultations (p=0.021), were subjected to episiotomy (p=0.042) and accounted for the largest number of premature babies (p=0.014). Conclusions: puerperal women in the 12-16 years old age group presented vulnerability in their socioeconomic conditions, inadequate assistance at the prenatal and childbirth care, as well as their babies showed neonatal complications that pointed towards these adolescent mothers' need of multidisciplinary care.

Resumo Objetivos: descrever características maternas, comportamentos de risco, dados obstétricos, de pré-natal e parto de puérperas adolescentes do Brasil (12-16 anos e 17-19 anos). Métodos: estudo transversal, de base hospitalar, a partir de dados do estudo "Nascer no Brasil" composto por puérperas adolescentes e por seus recém-nascidos, em todas as regiões do país. Utilizou-se o teste qui-quadrado para comparar as adolescentes de 12-16 anos com as de 17-19 anos. Resultados: as gestantes de 12-16 anos viviam mais na região Nordeste do país (p=0,014), nelas foi mais frequente não ter companheiro (p<0,001), engravidar sem intenção (p<0,001), apresentar escolaridade inadequada para a idade (p=0,033), realizar menos de seis consultas de pré-natal (p=0,021), a episiotomia (p=0,042) e a prematuridade espontânea (p=0,014). Conclusão: as puérperas na faixa etária de 12-16 anos apresentavam mais condições de vulnerabilidade socioeconômica, atenção menos adequada no pré-natal e parto, além de complicações neonatais de seus bebês, sinalizando a necessidade de atenção multiprofissional a essas adolescentes.

Effect of peer counselling on acceptance of modern contraceptives among female refugee adolescents in northern Uganda: A randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The unmet need for contraceptives among refugee adolescents is high globally, leaving girls vulnerable to unintended pregnancies. Lack of knowledge and fear of side effects are the most reported reasons for non-use of contraceptives amongst refugee adolescents. Peer counselling, the use of trained adolescents to offer contraceptive counselling to fellow peers, has showed effectiveness in increasing use of contraceptives in non-refugee adolescent resarch. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of peer counselling on acceptance of modern contraceptives among female refugee adolescents in northern Uganda. METHODS: A randomised controlled trial carried out in Palabek refugee settlement in northern Uganda, May to July 2019. Adolescents were included if they were sexually active or in any form of union, wanted to delay child bearing, and were not using any contraceptives. A total of 588 consenting adolescents were randomised to either peer counselling or routine counselling, the standard of care. RESULTS: Adolescents who received peer counselling were more likely to accept a contraceptive method compared to those who received routine counselling (PR: 1·24, 95% CI: 1·03 to 1·50, p = 0·023). Adolescents whose partners had attained up to tertiary education were more likely to accept a method than those whose partners had secondary or less education (PR: 1·45, 95% CI: 1·02 to 2·06, p = 0·037). In both groups, the most frequently accepted methods were the injectable and implant, with the commonest reasons for non-acceptance of contraception being fear of side effects and partner prohibition. CONCLUSION: Our data indicates that peer counselling has a positive effect on same day acceptance of modern contraceptives and should therefore be considered in future efforts to prevent adolescent pregnancies in refugee settings. Future peer counselling interventions should focus on how to effectively address adolescents' fear of side effects and partner prohibition, as these factors continue to impede decision making for contraceptive uptake.

Effectiveness of the Sista2Sista programme in improving HIV and other sexual and reproductive health outcomes among vulnerable adolescent girls and young women in Zimbabwe.

Background: In Zimbabwe, adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) experience high rates of HIV and other sexual and reproductive health challenges. In 2013, the Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care partnered with the United Nations Population Fund to implement the Sista2Sista programme, a structured peer group intervention aimed at improving health outcomes among vulnerable in- and out-of-school AGYW.Methods: Programme data was analysed for 91 612 AGYW aged 10-24 years old who participated in Sista2Sista from 2013 to 2019. Logistic regression was used to determine odds ratios (OR) and evaluate programme exposure as a factor in a set of defined variables.Results: 58 471 AGYW (63.82%) graduated from the Sista2Sista programme by completing at least 30 of 40 exercises. Graduates were more likely to take an HIV test (2.78 OR 95% CI 2.52-3.10), less likely to get married (0.63 OR 95% CI 0.55-0.73) and less likely to drop out of school (0.60 OR 95% CI 0.53-0.69). At higher thresholds of programme completion, additional positive outcomes were observed. Participants who completed all 40 exercises were more likely to return to school (1.41 OR 95% CI 1.18-1.69), more likely to use contraception (1.38 OR 95% CI 1.21-1.56), more likely to report sexual abuse (1.76 OR 95% CI 1.17-2.66), and less likely to become pregnant as adolescents (0.41 OR 95% CI 0.24-0.72). Individual counselling improved the likelihood of programme graduation.Conclusions: The Sista2Sista programme had a positive effect on HIV and other sexual health outcomes among vulnerable AGYW in Zimbabwe. Strategies to improve graduation rates should be explored.

Factores de riesgo asociados al embarazo en adolescentes / Risk factors associated with pregnancy in adolescents

OBJETIVO: Evaluar los factores de riesgo para el embarazo en adolescentes. MÉTODO: Estudio retrospectivo de casos y controles con una muestra no probabilística por conveniencia de 180 adolescentes: 60 gestantes (casos) y 120 no gestantes (controles). La recolección de datos se realizó entre los meses de setiembre y octubre del 2019 en un centro de salud público de Trujillo, mediante el FACES-III y una ficha de identificación de datos sociodemográficos y familiares. Para el análisis de datos se determinó el Odds ratio, se calcularon los intervalos de confianza (IC) y se procedió a estimar la magnitud de efecto. RESULTADOS: Tanto la exposición a la violencia (OR: 5.82), la funcionalidad familiar (OR: 3.87), la edad del primer embarazo de la madre (OR: 4.07) y la situación sentimental de los padres (OR: 4.24), actuaron como factores de riesgo con una magnitud de efecto moderada; en tanto que el grado de instrucción de la madre (OR: 2.03) se mostró como un factor de riesgo con magnitud de efecto pequeña y el grado de instrucción del padre (OR: 1.37) insignificante. CONCLUSIONES: La exposición a la violencia, la funcionalidad familiar, la edad del primer embarazo de la madre, la situación sentimental y el grado de instrucción de los padres actuaron como factores de riesgo para el embarazo en adolescentes

OBJECTIVE: To assess the risk factors for pregnancy in adolescents. METHOD: Retrospective case-control study with a non-probability sample for convenience of 180 adolescents: 60 pregnant women (cases) and 120 non pregnant women (controls) Data collection was carried out between September and October, 2019 in a public health center in Trujillo, using FACES-III and a card identifying sociodemographic and family data. For the data analysis the Odds ratio was determined, the confidence intervals (CI) were calculated and the magnitude of effect was estimated. RESULTS: Exposure to violence (OR: 5.82), family functionality (OR: 3.87), age of mother's first pregnancy (OR: 4.07), and parents' emotional situation (OR: 4.24) were risk factors with a moderate magnitude of effect, whereas mother's education (OR: 2.03) was a risk factor with a small magnitude of effect and father's education (OR: 1.37) was insignificant. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to violence, family functionality, age of mother's first pregnancy, emotional situation and parents' level of education all acted as risk factors for adolescent pregnancy

Prevalence and associated factors of adolescent pregnancy (15-19 years) in East Africa: a multilevel analysis.

BACKGROUND: Adolescent pregnancy is a major public health problem both in developed and developing countries with huge consequences to maternal health and pregnancy outcomes. However, there is limited evidence on the prevalence and associated factors of adolescent pregnancy in East Africa. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of adolescent pregnancy in Eastern Africa. METHOD: The most recent Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) datasets of the 12 East African countries were used. A total weighted sample of 17, 234 adolescent girls who ever had sex was included. A multilevel binary logistic regression analysis was fitted to identify the significantly associated factors of adolescent pregnancy. Finally, the Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) were reported to declare the factors that are significantly associated with adolescent pregnancy. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of adolescent pregnancy in East Africa was 54.6% (95%CI: 53.85, 55.34%). In the multivariable multilevel analysis; being age 18-19 years [AOR = 3.06; 95%CI: 2.83, 3.31], using contraceptive [AOR = 1.41; 95%CI: 1.28, 1.55], being employed girls [AOR = 1.11; 95%CI: 1.03, 1.19], being spouse/head within the family [AOR = 1.62; 95% CI: 1.45, 1.82], and being from higher community level contraceptive utilization [AOR = 1.10; 95%CI:1.02, 1.19] were associated with higher odds of adolescent pregnancy. While adolescent girls attained secondary education and higher [AOR = 0.78; 95%CI: 0.68, 0.91], initiation of sex at age of 15 to 14 years [AOR = 0.69; 95%CI: 0.63, 0.75] and 18 to 19 years [AOR = 0.31; 95%CI: 0.27, 0.35], being unmarried [AOR = 0.25; 95%CI: 0.23, 0.28], having media exposure [AOR = 0.85; 95%CI: 0.78, 0.92], and being girls from rich household [AOR = 0.64; 95%CI: 0.58, 0.71] were associated with lower odds of adolescent pregnancy. CONCLUSION: This study found that adolescent pregnancy remains a common health care problem in East Africa. Age, contraceptive utilization, marital status, working status, household wealth status, community-level contraceptive utilization, age at initiation of sex, media exposure, educational level and relation to the household head were associated with adolescent pregnancy. Therefore, designing public health interventions targeting higher risk adolescent girls such as those from the poorest household through enhancing maternal education and empowerment is vital to reduce adolescent pregnancy and its complications.

Prevalence of Low Birth Weight, Premature Birth, and Stillbirth Among Pregnant Adolescents in Canada: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Although most studies show that adolescent pregnant women are at a higher risk for adverse birth outcomes, there has been limited research examining this relationship in Canada. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the prevalence of low birthweight (LBW), preterm birth (PTB), and stillbirth in Canadian adolescent women compared to adult women. Studies were included if they were primary research and included a sample of adolescent mothers (≤19 years) and adult mothers (≥20 years) who gave birth to singleton infants in Canada. Birth outcomes must have been measured consistently in at least 3 studies for inclusion. Comprehensive electronic literature searches were conducted from database inception until August 2020 in 5 databases. Random effects meta-analysis models were used to estimate pooled odds ratios (pOR) for LBW, PTB, and stillbirth between adolescent and adult pregnant women. Outcomes reported included PTB (8 studies), LBW (6 studies), and stillbirth (3 studies). Compared to adult mothers, adolescent mothers had a 56% increase in the prevalence of LBW (pOR 1.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.24, 1.97), a 23% increase in PTB (pOR 1.23, 95% CI 1.06, 1.42), a 20% increase in stillbirth (pOR 1.20, 95% CI 1.05, 1.37). Heterogeneity, as assessed by I2, was high for LBW and PTB and was low for stillbirth. A subgroup analysis did not remove the high heterogeneity, and some studies did not adjust for confounding variables and were missing information on sociodemographic and behavioral factors. Future research is needed to investigate the mechanisms surrounding these differences by maternal age.

"Those are things for married people" exploring parents'/adults' and adolescents' perspectives on contraceptives in Narok and Homa Bay Counties, Kenya.

BACKGROUND: Contraceptive use among adolescent girls is low in many sub-Saharan African countries including Kenya. Attitude and perspectives about contraception of community members including adolescent girls themselves may be likely to limit contraceptive use among adolescent girls. This study was conducted to explore and compare adults'/parents' and adolescent girls' narratives and perspectives about contraception in Narok and Homa Bay counties, Kenya. METHODS: Qualitative data from 45 in-depth-interviews conducted with purposively selected consenting adolescent girls aged 15-19 was used. Additionally, twelve focus group discussions were held with 86 consenting adults conveniently recruited from the two counties. All discussions were conducted in the local language and audio recorded following consent of the study participants. Female moderators were engaged throughout the study making it appropriate for the study to solicit feedback from the targeted respondents. RESULTS: Findings highlighted adults' perceptions on adolescents' sexuality and the presence of stringent conceptions about the side-effects of contraception in the study communities. Some participants underscored the need for open contraceptive talk between parents and their adolescent girls. Four main themes emerged from the discussions; (i) Perceptions about adolescents' sexuality and risk prevention, (ii) Conceptions about contraception among nulligravida adolescents: fear of infertility, malformation and sexual libertinism, (iii) Post-pregnancy contraceptive considerations and (iv) Thinking differently: divergent views regarding contraceptives and parent/adolescent discussion. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest the need for increased attention towards adolescents and their caregivers particularly in demystifying contraceptive misconceptions. Programmatic responses and models which include the provision of comprehensive sexuality education and increased access to and utilization of SRH information, products and services through a well-informed approach need to be well executed. Programmatic efforts like SRH community education should further seek to enhance the capacity of parents to discuss sexuality with their adolescents.

Breastfeeding Practices among Adolescent Mothers and Associated Factors in Bangladesh (2004-2014).

Optimal breastfeeding practices among mothers have been proven to have health and economic benefits, but evidence on breastfeeding practices among adolescent mothers in Bangladesh is limited. Hence, this study aims to estimate breastfeeding indicators and factors associated with selected feeding practices. The sample included 2554 children aged 0-23 months of adolescent mothers aged 12-19 years from four Bangladesh Demographic and Health Surveys collected between 2004 and 2014. Breastfeeding indicators were estimated using World Health Organization (WHO) indicators. Selected feeding indicators were examined against potential confounding factors using univariate and multivariate analyses. Only 42.2% of adolescent mothers initiated breastfeeding within the first hour of birth, 53% exclusively breastfed their infants, predominant breastfeeding was 17.3%, and 15.7% bottle-fed their children. Parity (2-3 children), older infants, and adolescent mothers who made postnatal check-up after two days were associated with increased exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rates. Adolescent mothers aged 12-18 years and who watched television were less likely to delay breastfeeding initiation within the first hour of birth. Adolescent mothers who delivered at home (adjusted OR = 2.63, 95% CI:1.86, 3.74) and made postnatal check-up after two days (adjusted OR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.21, 2.30) were significantly more likely to delay initiation breastfeeding within the first hour of birth. Adolescent mothers living in the Barisal region and who listened to the radio reported increased odds of predominant breastfeeding, and increased odds for bottle-feeding included male infants, infants aged 0-5 months, adolescent mothers who had eight or more antenatal clinic visits, and the highest wealth quintiles. In order for Bangladesh to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 and 3 by 2030, breastfeeding promotion programmes should discourage bottle-feeding among adolescent mothers from the richest households and promote early initiation of breastfeeding especially among adolescent mothers who delivered at home and had a late postnatal check-up after delivery.

Exploring health-seeking behavior among adolescent mothers during the Ebola epidemic in Western rural district of Freetown, Sierra Leone.

BACKGROUND: From 2014 to 2016, the largest Ebola outbreak in history threatened Sierra Leone and its neighbouring countries, Guinea and Liberia. The Ebola outbreak impacted pregnant adolescent girl's access to prenatal care during the pandemic. The aim of this study is to understand health-seeking behaviour among adolescent mothers who were pregnant during the Ebola epidemic in Waterloo, Sierra Leone. METHODS: The present qualitative study uses the "Three Delay" model, as a theoretical framework to understand and explore adolescent mother's health-seeking behaviour through four focus group discussions with five participants in each discussion group. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: A multitude of challenges were identified following the Ebola epidemic. The fear of contracting Ebola was a common reason for not seeking care or utilising services. This notion was perpetuated by perceptions in the community and participants personal experiences. Quarantines, national lockdowns, roadblocks, loss of income and extreme poverty were also identified as barriers to accessing health facilities during Ebola. The different encounters with health workers and the challenges that arose at the health facilities were subsequently additional discouraging factors influencing participant's decision not to seek health care. CONCLUSION: Many of the pre-existing maternal health, societal and social-economic challenges were exacerbated during the Ebola. The epidemic also contributed new challenges such as public fear, mistrust towards health professionals and the health system. Greater emphasis needs to be placed on improving maternal care in general, but also improving preparedness for maternal care in case of future outbreaks, especially for the most vulnerable groups such as adolescent mothers.

"I was tricked": understanding reasons for unintended pregnancy among sexually active adolescent girls.

BACKGROUND: While the Kenya government is mobilizing high-level strategies to end adolescent pregnancy by 2030, a clear understanding of drivers of early unintended pregnancy in the country is a necessary precursor. In this study, we determine the prevalence, associated factors, and reasons for unintended pregnancy among sexually active adolescent girls (aged 15-19 in two Kenya counties with the highest rate of teenage pregnancy. METHODS: We used the "In Their Hands" (ITH) program's baseline evaluation data. The study adopted a mixed-methods design with 1110 sexually active adolescent girls in the quantitative component and 19 girls who were either pregnant or nursing a child in the qualitative. We used adjusted and unadjusted logistic regression to model factors associated with unintended pregnancy among respondents. We used a thematic analysis of qualitative data to examine girls' reasons for having unintended pregnancy. RESULTS: Overall, 42% of respondents have had an unintended pregnancy; however, higher proportions were observed among girls who were 19 years (49.4%), double orphans (53.6%), never used contraceptive (49.9%), out-of-school (53.8%), and married (55.6%). After adjusting for relevant covariates, the odds of unintended pregnancy were higher among girls who resided in rural areas (AOR 1.64, 95% CI 1.22-2.20), had primary or no formal education (AOR 1.50 95% CI 1.11-2.02), and had never used contraceptive (AOR 1.69 95% CI 1.25-2.29) compared with their counterparts. Current school attendance was associated with a 66% reduction in the probability of having an unintended pregnancy. Participants of the qualitative study stated that the desire to maintain a relationship, poor contraceptive knowledge, misinformation about contraceptive side effects, and lack of trusted mentors were the main reasons for their unintended pregnancies. CONCLUSION: A massive burden of unintended pregnancy exists among sexually active adolescent girls in the study setting. Adolescent boys and girls need better access to sexuality education and contraceptives in the study setting to reduce early unintended pregnancy.

RéSUMé: CONTEXTE: Alors que le gouvernement kenyan déploie des stratégies de haut niveau pour mettre fin aux grossesses chez les adolescentes d'ici 2030, il est nécessaire de bien cerner les facteurs qui favorisent les grossesses précoces non planifiées dans le pays. Dans cette étude, nous déterminons la prévalence, les facteurs associés et les causes des grossesses non planifiées chez les adolescentes sexuellement actives (âgées de 15 à 19 ans) dans deux comtés du Kenya où le taux de grossesse adolescente est le plus élevé. MéTHODOLOGIE: Nous avons utilisé les données d'évaluation de base du programme « In Their Hands ¼ (ITH). L'étude a adopté une approche mixte comprenant 1110 adolescentes sexuellement actives dans la composante quantitative et 19 adolescentes enceintes ou allaitantes dans la composante qualitative. Nous avons utilisé une régression logistique ajustée et non ajustée pour modéliser les facteurs associés à une grossesse non planifiée chez les répondantes. Pour ce qui est des données qualitatives, nous avons procédé à une analyse thématique afin d'examiner les facteurs expliquant les grossesses non planifiées chez les filles. RéSULTATS: Globalement, 42 % des répondantes ont vécu une grossesse non planifiée ; toutefois, des proportions plus élevées ont été observées chez les filles âgées de 19 ans (49,4 %), celles doublement orphelines (53,6 %), celles qui n'ont jamais utilisé de moyens contraceptifs (49,9 %), celles non scolarisées (53,8 %) et chez celles qui étaient mariées (55,6 %). Après ajustement des covariables pertinentes, les probabilités de grossesse non planifiée étaient plus élevées chez les filles qui résidaient dans des zones rurales (AOR:1,64, IC 95%:1,22-2,20), avaient un niveau d'éducation primaire ou aucune éducation formelle (AOR:1,50 IC 95%:1,11-2,02), et n'avaient jamais utilisé de contraceptifs (AOR:1,69 IC 95%-1,25-2,29) par rapport à leurs congénères. La fréquentation scolaire actuelle était associée à une réduction de 66 % de la probabilité d'être confrontée à une grossesse non planifiée. Les participantes à l'étude qualitative ont déclaré que le désir d'entretenir une relation, une mauvaise connaissance des contraceptifs, de fausses informations sur les effets secondaires des contraceptifs et le manque de mentors de confiance étaient les principales raisons de leurs grossesses non planifiées. CONCLUSION: Un lourd fardeau lié aux grossesses non désirées existe parmi les adolescentes sexuellement actives de la zone étudiée. Les adolescents, garçons et filles, doivent avoir un meilleur accès à l'éducation sexuelle et aux contraceptifs dans la zone étudiée afin de réduire les grossesses non planifiées précoces.

Time trends and sociodemographic inequalities in the prevalence of adolescent motherhood in 74 low-income and middle-income countries: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Documenting trends and inequalities in the prevalence of adolescent motherhood across low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) is important to support the adolescent sexual and reproductive health target in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We aimed to examine time trends and sociodemographic inequalities in the prevalence of adolescent motherhood in LMICs. METHODS: We analysed data from 747 137 young women (aged 15-19 years) from 74 LMICs, using 254 nationally representative Demographic and Health Surveys done between 1990 and 2018. We estimated the population-weighted prevalence of adolescent motherhood among women aged aged 15-19 years (defined as having had a livebirth or being pregnant at the time of the survey). Trends in the prevalence were calculated at the national level using the average annual rate of change (AARC) in a subset of 61 countries with at least two surveys from different timepoints during the study period. Sociodemographic inequalities (eg, wealth quintile, level of education, and rural or urban residence) in adolescent motherhood were described using the normalised concentration index. FINDINGS: The highest prevalence of adolescent motherhood was observed in sub-Saharan African countries, for example it was 36·00% (95% CI 33·98-38·08) in Mali (which had recent survey data; 2018). Examining AARC, countries such as Nigeria (AARC -1·35%; 1990-2018) and India (-4·62%; 1992-2015) experienced a steady decline in the prevalence of adolescent motherhood during the study period. However, several high-burden countries experienced little change in prevalence over time (-0·60%; Bangladesh, 1993-2014), and 16 countries, such as Cambodia (2·42%; 2000-14) and Philippines (1·59%; 1993-2017), had an increase in the prevalence of adolescent motherhood over time. Sociodemographic inequalities in the prevalence of adolescent motherhood persist in most countries in this study. INTERPRETATION: Many of the countries in this study experienced either a slow rate of reduction or an increase in the prevalence of adolescent motherhood during the study period, and sociodemographic inequalities within countries persist. These results indicate that efforts to reduce adolescent motherhood and the associated health burden need to be improved within many LMICs. These findings can assist policy makers to target the rollout of interventions on the basis of observed geographic and sociodemographic inequalities to reduce adolescent motherhood among the disadvantaged, and accelerate progress towards adolescent sexual and reproductive health targets in the UN SDGs. FUNDING: None.

Adolescent Birth Rates and Rural-Urban Differences by Levels of Deprivation and Health Professional Shortage Areas in the United States, 2017-2018.

Objectives. To examine the differences in adolescent birth rates by deprivation and Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) in rural and urban counties of the United States in 2017 and 2018.Methods. We analyzed available data on birth rates for females aged 15 to 19 years in the United States using the restricted-use natality files from the National Center for Health Statistics, American Community Survey 5-year population estimates, and the Area Health Resources Files.Results. Rural counties had an additional 7.8 births per 1000 females aged 15 to 19 years (b = 7.84; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 7.13, 8.55) compared with urban counties. Counties with the highest deprivation had an additional 23.1 births per 1000 females aged 15 to 19 years (b = 23.12; 95% CI = 22.30, 23.93), compared with less deprived counties. Rural counties with whole shortage designation had an additional 8.3 births per 1000 females aged 15 to 19 years (b = 8.27; 95% CI = 6.86, 9.67) compared with their urban counterparts.Conclusions. Rural communities across deprivation and HPSA categories showed disproportionately high adolescent birth rates. Future research should examine the extent to which contraceptive access differs among deprived and HPSA-designated rural communities and the impact of policies that may create barriers for rural communities.

Trends in Adolescent Rapid Repeat Pregnancy in Canada.

OBJECTIVE: Rapid repeat pregnancy (RRP), a birth occurring within 33 months of a previous birth, is associated with adverse neonatal outcomes. RRP occurs among 25%-35% of adolescents who become pregnant. The current study examines trends in and outcomes of adolescent RRP in the Canadian context. METHODS: Using population-based data from the Discharge Abstract Database, we linked maternal and newborn records from labour and delivery hospitalizations across Canada (excluding Québec) from fiscal years 2004/2005 to 2014/2015. Women were included if they were aged younger than 20 years at the index birth event and delivered an infant during the study period. We assessed absolute rates of RRP and differences between groups using χ2 tests. Linear tests for trend assessed change over time. Conditional logistic regression models assessed odds of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes in RRPs compared with first pregnancies. RESULTS: Overall, we captured 67 957 adolescent pregnancies during the study period. Of these, 32.9% (95% CI 32.5%-33.2%) had an RRP. Rates of RRP were higher among 18- to 19-year-olds (34.1%; 95% CI 33.6%-34.5%) than 15- to 17-year-olds (30.4%; 95% CI 29.7%-31.0%). There was substantial variation in RRP rates across provinces and territories, from 24.5% (95% CI 23.6%-35.6%) in British Columbia to 47.3% (95% CI 46.1%-48.4%) in Manitoba. Generally, the odds of maternal or neonatal morbidity were similar in second pregnancies. However, adolescents had decreased odds of having a small-for-gestational-age infant in their second pregnancy (P < 0.001), affecting 0.4% (95% CI 0.3%-0.7%) of second pregnancies. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents who experience a pregnancy are at high risk of experiencing an RRP; however, odds of maternal and neonatal morbidity were similar in second and first pregnancies.

Health Behaviors and Prenatal Health Conditions in Repeat Vs First-time Teenage Mothers in the United States: 2015-2018.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Repeat teenage mothers, those who give birth to a second or higher-order infant before age 20 years, are at elevated risk for adverse perinatal outcomes compared with first-time teenage mothers. The objective of the current study was to compare the prevalence of negative pregnancy-related behaviors and gestational health conditions in the national United States population of first-time and repeat teenage mothers. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: We conducted a retrospective, population-based cohort study using annual US birth data files from 2015 to 2018, N = 799,756 (673,394 [84.2%] first, 126,362 [15.8%] repeat) births to women ages 15-19 years. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pregnancy-related behaviors (including adequacy of prenatal care and weight gain, sexually transmitted infection, smoking, and breastfeeding) and gestational health conditions (gestational hypertension and gestational diabetes). RESULTS: Repeat (vs first-time) mothers had higher prevalence of negative pregnancy-related behaviors: inadequate prenatal care, smoking, inadequate weight gain, and sexually transmitted infection during pregnancy; they were also less likely to breastfeed. Conversely, repeat teenage mothers experienced lower prevalence of gestational hypertension and gestational diabetes. CONCLUSION: Repeat teenage mothers experienced lower prevalence of physical health complications during pregnancy but engaged in more negative pregnancy-related health behaviors. Negative health behavior in pregnancy can lead directly to poor perinatal outcomes for infants. To prevent adverse outcomes from repeat teenage childbearing, we must ensure access to quality, timely, prenatal and postpartum care so teenage mothers can receive support for healthy pregnancy-related behaviors as well as linkage to highly effective contraception to prevent unintended repeat births.

Fatores associados à variação espacial da gravidez na adolescência no Brasil, 2014: estudo ecológico de agregados espaciais / Factores asociados a la variación espacial del embarazo en la adolescencia en Brasil, 2014: estudio ecológico de agregados espaciales / Associated factors with spatial variation of adolescent pregnancy in Brazil, 2014: an ecological study of spatial clusters

Objetivo: Identificar determinantes socioeconômicos e de atenção à saúde na variação espacial da gravidez na adolescência, Brasil, 2014. Métodos: Estudo ecológico espacial com municípios como unidades de análise. Utilizou-se regressão linear espacial para verificar associações entre taxa de fecundidade em adolescentes de 15 a 19 anos e variáveis socioeconômicas e de saúde. Resultados: A fecundidade na adolescência associou-se negativamente a maior cobertura da Estratégia Saúde da Família (ß = -0,011 ­ IC95% -0,017;-0,005), número adequado de consultas de pré-natal (ß = -0,122 ­ IC95% -0,224;-0,132) e menor renda familiar média per capita (ß = -0,104 ­ IC95% -0,105;-0,103); e positivamente, ao índice de Gini (ß = 7,031 ­ IC95% 4,793;9,269), baixa renda (ß = 0,127 ­ IC95% 0,108;0,145), maior densidade domiciliar (ß = 6,292 ­ IC95% 5,062;7,522) e baixa escolaridade (ß = 0,260 ­ IC95% 0,224;0,295). Conclusão: Menores acesso a atenção básica e renda associam-se a maior taxa de fecundidade na adolescência. Piores indicadores socioeconômicos e de atenção à saúde associam-se a maior taxa de fecundidade na adolescência.

Objetivo: Identificar determinantes socioeconómicos y de atención a la salud en la variación espacial del embarazo adolescente en Brasil en 2014. Métodos Estudio espacial ecológico con municipios como unidades de análisis. La regresión lineal espacial se utilizó para verificar la asociación entre la tasa de fecundidad adolescente (15-19 años) y variables socioeconómicas y de salud. Resultados: La tasa de fecundidad adolescente se asoció negativamente con mayor cobertura de la Estrategia de Salud Familiar (ß = -0,011 ­ IC95% -0,017;-0,005), número adecuado de consultas prenatales (ß = -0.122 ­ IC95% -0,132;-0,224) e bajo ingreso familiar promedio per cápita (ß = -0,104 ­ IC95% -0,105;-0,103). Esta asociación fue positiva con el índice de Gini (ß = 7,031 ­ IC95% 4,793; 9,269), bajos ingresos (ß = 0,127 ­ IC95% 0,108; 0,145), mayor densidad familiar (ß = 6,292 ­ IC95% 5,062; 7,522) y baja escolaridad (ß = 0,260 ­ IC95% 0,224; 0,295). Conclusión: El menor acceso a la atención primaria y menores ingresos están asociados con una mayor fecundidad en la adolescencia. Los peores indicadores socioeconómicos y de atención a la salud se asocian con una mayor tasa de fecundidad en la adolescencia.

Objective: To identify socioeconomic and health care determinants of spatial variation in adolescent pregnancy in Brazil in 2014. Methods: This was a spatial ecological study having municipalities as units of analysis. Spatial linear regression was used to verify association between the fertility rate in 15-19 year-old women and socioeconomic and health variables. Results: The adolescent fertility rate was negatively associated with higher Family Health Strategy coverage (ß = -0.011 - 95%CI -0.017;-0.005), an adequate number of prenatal consultations (ß = -0.122 - 95%CI -0.132;-0.224) and low average family income per capita (ß = -0.104 - 95%CI -0.105;-0.103). Association was positive in relation to the Gini index (ß = 7.031 - 95%CI 4.793;9.269), low income (ß = 0.127 - 95%CI 0.108;0.145), higher household density (ß = 6.292 - 95%CI 5.062;7.522) and less schooling (ß = 0.260 - 95%CI 0.224;0.295). Conclusion: Reduced access to primary care and lower income are associated with higher adolescent fertility rates. Poorer socioeconomic and health care indicators are associated with higher adolescent fertility rates.