TITLE:
Childbirth in Primiparous Adolescents: Prevalence, Pregnancy Profile, Maternal and Perinatal Prognosis
AUTHORS:
Jean Demupondo Lukangi, Jean-Jeannot Juakali Sihalikyolo, Noel Labama Otuli, Jean-Didier Bosenge Nguma, Teddy Matega Habiragi, Patrick Magala Batakuya, Emmanuel Komanda Likwekwe, Gédéon Katenga Bosunga, Antoine Modia O’Yandjo
KEYWORDS:
Childbirth, Adolescent, Prevalence, Prognosis
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.13 No.2,
February
10,
2025
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Adolescent childbirth is a public health and social problem worldwide. It is associated with both maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The general objective of our study is to determine the prevalence and profile of pregnant women, and to assess the maternal and perinatal prognosis of adolescent childbirth in Kisangani. Methods: This was a prospective, multicenter, case-control observational study conducted over a seven-month period, from February 1 to August 31, 2024, in primiparous adolescent gestational carriers (cases) and primiparous gestational carriers aged 20 to 34 years (controls) who delivered in five health facilities in the city of Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo. Results: The prevalence of teenage childbirth was 13.8%. Adolescents were more likely than controls to be in secondary education and to be unemployed. Compared with controls, pregnant adolescents were more likely to have poor ANC attendance. There was a statistical difference between the two groups in relation to pelvic anomaly, rupture of membranes on admission, hypertensive disorders, vicious presentation, caesarean section, episiotomy, postpartum anaemia and puerperal psychosis. In fact, these morbidities were more common in adolescent girls than in controls. Compared with controls, neonatal depression, prematurity, low birth weight and perinatal death were more prevalent in the newborns of teenage mothers. Conclusion: The prevalence of teenage childbirth is high in Kisangani; there is an association between unmarried status, lack of employment, low socio-economic status, poor ANC follow-up and teenage childbirth in Kisangani. The latter is also associated with high maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality.