Some emotional repercussions of adolescent pregnancy in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (1999-2001)

Abstract

This study analyzed the association between early pregnancy and negative emotional repercussions for adolescents, according to socio-demographic and psychosocial variables. The study interviewed 1,228 adolescents in maternity hospitals in the City of Rio de Janeiro. Emotional repercussions were evaluated with negative self-assessment variables, showing little or no expectation towards the future, as well as psychological distress. The chi2 test and odds ratio were used to analyze the data. Adolescents who reported a negative reaction by the family felt less valued (OR 1.8), with little expectation towards the future (OR 2.3), and presented major psychological distress (OR 1.5). Those not enrolled in school when they became pregnant also showed worse self-esteem (OR 1.9) and fewer expectations towards the future (OR 2.2). Greater psychological distress was inversely related to frequency of prenatal care (0.7). The article concludes that family support, regardless of original social conditions, was identified as the principal factor for minimizing negative emotional repercussions of pregnancy during adolescence.