Analysis of the clinical-epidemiological characteristics of pregnant adolescents treated at a General Hospital in Ica, Peru

Abstract

Introduction: approximately one tenth of all births occur in adolescent women and more than 90% are in developing countries. In Peru, sociodemographic and health factors associated with adolescent pregnancy are described at the individual and territorial levels. The aim of the study was to identify the proportion and clinical-epidemiological characteristics of pregnant adolescents attended at the Hospital Santa MarÌa del Socorro. Methods: descriptive, analytical, cross-sectional and prospective study. The census sample consisted of 198 women who met the eligibility criteria. Inclusion criteria corresponded to all pregnant adolescents who attended prenatal care. A questionnaire with open and closed questions was applied. Statistical analysis was performed with the EPIINFO Version 7.0.9.34 program (CDC, Atlanta, USA). Results: the average age of the adolescent pregnant women was 17 years, and they started sexual relations at 15 years of age. 84% had secondary education, 64% were from rural areas and 33.3% were from the district of Ica. 57.6% used contraceptive methods. A total of 46.5% use family planning methods. Discussion: Adolescent girls in rural areas are more likely to initiate motherhood than adolescent girls in urban areas. This could be due to a lack of educational opportunities, poverty, and limited access to health services. There is access to family planning, however, there is pregnancy due to a failure of method, probably due to non-compliance with medical indications. The study can help policymakers and health officials design intervening.