Forthcoming Issue 1 2024 Factors influencing the perinatal outcomes of teenage deliveries in a regional hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
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Abstract
Background
Teenage pregnancy is a global problem, associated with maternal and neonatal complications. Developing countries show a rising prevalence, however there are limited studies that investigate perinatal outcomes within the pregnant teenage population.
Objectives: To describe and analyse the effect of maternal factors on perinatal outcomes of teenage pregnancies.
Methods: Data was collected retrospectively from the labour ward and neonatal admission register of a regional hospital in South Africa over 6 months in 2018. Teenagers between 10 to 19 years of age who delivered at the institution were included in the study. Maternal factors were analysed against the risk of a complicated perinatal outcome, defined as either stillbirth or live neonate requiring admission to Neonatal nursery. A secondary analysis was conducted on the risk of stillbirth, prematurity or low birth weight (LBW). Data was analysed using SPSS version 25 with a level of significance at p<0.05.
Results: The prevalence of teenage deliveries was 15.6% (n=707/4519). 20% of teenagers were 16 years or younger. A complicated perinatal outcome was present in 19.5% of deliveries and was associated with lack of antenatal care (ANC) and emergency caesarean section (EMCS). Unbooked teenagers had a ten-fold higher chance of delivering a stillbirth and were three times as likely to deliver a LBW baby. Maternal complications were also associated with LBW. Age, parity and HIV status did not show any statistically significant difference in perinatal outcomes.
Conclusion:
The prevalence of teenage pregnancy was high. Lack of ANC, maternal complications and EMCS in teenagers were associated with adverse perinatal outcomes.
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