TITLE:
Unattended Pregnancies in Ngaoundéré, Cameroon: Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes
AUTHORS:
Serge Robert Nyada, Inna Gambo Haoua, Laure Ngando, Cliford Ebong Ebontane, Christiane Nsahlaï, Isidore Tompeen, Véronique Batoum Mboua, Pascale Mpono Emenguele, Valère Mve Koh
KEYWORDS:
Unattended Pregnancies, Complications, Associated Factors, Ngaoundéré
JOURNAL NAME:
Advances in Reproductive Sciences,
Vol.14 No.2,
April
8,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Unattended pregnancies are associated with significant maternal, perinatal morbidity and mortality. The prevalence remains high in Cameroon, particularly in the Adamawa region. The aim of this study was to study the factors associated with the occurrence of maternal and/or perinatal complications in unattended pregnancies in the city of Ngaoundéré. Methods and Materials: We conducted a case-control study, with prospective data collection of women admitted between January 1st and April 30th, 2025, into four hospitals. Results: A total of 363 deliveries were included, 121 cases matched to 242 controls. In univariate analysis, the clinical and biological factors associated with increased risk of complications were: maternal age Conclusion: Maternal and perinatal mortality rates were high in unattended pregnancies. Factors associated with the occurrence of adverse outcomes were age between 15 and 20 years, spinster status, absence of iron supplementation, grand multiparous women, and malaria.