| Full text | |
| Author(s): |
Chalem, Elisa
;
Mitsuhiro, Sandro Sendin
;
Ferri, Cleusa P.
;
Barros, Marina Carvalho Moraes
;
Guinsburg, Ruth
;
Laranjeira, Ronaldo
[6]
Total Authors: 6
|
| Document type: | Journal article |
| Source: | Cadernos de Saúde Pública; v. 23, n. 1, p. 177-186, jan. 2007. |
| Field of knowledge: | Health Sciences - Medicine |
| Abstract | |
To identify the socio-demographic behavioral profile of low-income pregnant teenagers, 1,000 adolescents admitted to a Brazilian public maternity hospital from July 24, 2001, to November 27, 2002, were interviewed. Socio-demographic and behavioral variables were assessed through a questionnaire. Over the 492 days of the study, 24.3% of admissions were adolescents (930 for childbirth and 70 for miscarriage). Mean maternal age was 17 years. Most teenagers (72.9%) lived near the hospital. 930 (93%) belonged to socioeconomic classes C, D, and E. School dropout was identified in 67.3% of the total. 80.1% of the subjects were giving birth for the first time. 81.2% had not planned the pregnancy, and 23.8% had been using some contraceptive method. 67.4% had vaginal deliveries. Some 13.3% of the newborns were premature and 15.9% had low birth weight. 17.3% of these adolescent mothers reported smoking during pregnancy, with 2.8% reporting alcohol and 1.7% illicit drugs. Teenage pregnancy is a complex phenomenon associated with various economic, educational, and behavioral factors. The study provides importance references for public policies to prevent teenage pregnancy. (AU) | |
| FAPESP's process: | 00/10293-5 - Drug abuse among pregnant adolescents |
| Grantee: | Ronaldo Laranjeira |
| Support Opportunities: | Research Projects - Thematic Grants |