OUTCOMES AND RISK FACTORS OF ADOLESCENT PREGNANCY: A SINGLE CENTRE EXPERIENCES
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Keywords
Adolescent pregnancy, maternal outcomes, neonatal outcomes, risk factors
Abstract
Background: Adolescent pregnancy remains a significant public health concern, especially in low- and middle-income countries like Bangladesh, where it is linked to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Aim of the study: This study aimed to assess maternal and neonatal outcomes and identify key sociodemographic and clinical risk factors associated with adolescent pregnancy in Bangladesh.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over one year at a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh, including 62 adolescent mothers aged 13–19 years. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and hospital records. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and logistic regression to identify predictors of adverse neonatal outcomes.
Result: The mean age of the mothers was 16.24 ± 1.62 years, with 59.68% residing in rural areas. Anemia (85.48%) and inadequate antenatal care (<7 visits in 70.97%) were the most common maternal issues. Low birth weight (30.65%), NICU admission (14.52%), and neonatal death (4.84%) were the key neonatal concerns. Logistic regression identified lack of antenatal care, younger maternal age (≤16 years), anemia, and low socioeconomic status as significant predictors of adverse neonatal outcomes.
Conclusion: Adolescent pregnancy in Bangladesh is associated with high rates of maternal complications and neonatal morbidity. Ensuring adequate antenatal care, improving nutritional support, and addressing socioeconomic disparities are essential to improving outcomes in this vulnerable population.
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Dr. Reefaat Rahman
Medical officer, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dr. Md. Arifuzzaman
Consultant, Vitreo- Retina, Bangladesh Eye Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh