Teenage Pregnancy and Obstetric Outcome: A Comparative Study In Urban Nigeria

Abstract

Aims: Teenage pregnancy is a worldwide problem that poses social and health concerns in both industrialized and developing countries. This study therefore sought to evaluate the relevance of age at first pregnancy on obstetric performance.Methods: This was a case control analytical, observational study of teenage women as study group and older control subgroup aged 20-34 years that had their first childbirth between 2009 and 2013 at a mission Hospital in Benin City, South- South, Nigeria. Statistical analysis was with computer statistical software with statistical significance set at p <0.001), unemployed (OR=6.6, P=0.001), attained below secondary level of education (OR=8.4, P< 0.001) and less likely to attain post secondary level of education (OR=0.05, P<0.001), lack prenatal care (OR=2.1, P=0.15),have vaginal delivery (OR: 5.7, P=0.01), less caesarean section rate (OR=0.2, P=0.01), weighed less at booking and last prenatal visits (P<0.001) respectively and   neonates  weighing less at birth (t=2.1, P=0.04).Conclusion:Teenage pregnancy was more a social than an obstetric problem. Adequate empowerment before reproductive role, discouragement of early marriage and or childbearing is hereby proffered.