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Outcome of Teenage Pregnancies in Ilorin, Nigeria


Adiodun S Jimoh
Ishaq-F Abdul

Abstract

Context: - Adolescent pregnancy is a high-risk pregnancy associated with complications arising from adverse physiological, anatomical and soco-economic factors.

Objectives:- To determine the pattern and obstetric outcome of adolescent pregnancies.

Study Design, Setting And Subjects.:- A retrospective analysis of teenage pregnancies at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria was carried over a 5 years period, 1997 to 2001. A total of 180 teenage Pregnancies were analyzed and compared with 170 controls.

Main Outcome Measures:- Pregnancy complications in teenagers compared with controls.

Results: There were statistically significant differences between adolescent mothers and mature mothers in the rate of unemployment (58% vs. 27%, p< 0.001), anaemia (48.8% vs 27.0%, p< 0.01), preterm labour (26.6% vs 11.8%, P< 0.01), booking status (56.7% vs 78. 8 % p< 0.001), unsure of last menstrual period (44.5% vs 16.5%, p< 0.001), Caesarean section (10.0% vs 8. 2%, p< 0.05), CPD as indication for caesarian section (6.7% vs 4.3% p< 0.05), low birth weights (33.3% vs 8.2%, p<0.01), and Apgar score at 1 minute (88.9% vs 40% p< 0.001). There was no significant difference between the incidence of pregnancy induced hypertension and antepartum Hemorrhage.

Conclusions:- Adolescent pregnancy was found to have higher chances of being complicated by anaemia, breech delivery, caesarean section, cephalopelvic disproportion, low birth weight and low apgar score at one minute when compared to adult pregnancy. Improved medical care will reduce the complications apart from measures to prevent adolescent pregnancy such as socio-educational advancement and contraceptive services

Key Words: - Teenagers; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome.

[Trop J Obstet Gynaecol] 2004;21:27-31

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eISSN: 0189-5117