Pregnancy recurrence in adolescents in Southern Brazil

Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992). 2017 Jul;63(7):628-635. doi: 10.1590/1806-9282.63.07.628.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the pregnancy recurrence among adolescents and young people in a city located in the extreme south of Brazil and to identify associated factors.

Method: One hundred and twelve (112) women participated, having delivered their children in 2010, while adolescents. The sample was stratified in two stages, being the first a census of the whole population of the city and the second a convenience sample. For statistical analysis, Pearson Chi-square test was used, with a significance level of 5%.

Results: The recurrence rate was 53.6%, with an average of 28.6 months. At the time of delivery, in 2010, recurrence was significantly associated with level of education (p=0.044) as well as not being in school (p=0.036). In 2014, the factors associated were level of education (p<0.001), transcript of grades (p=0.030) and income (p=0.030).

Conclusion: Recurrence of teenage pregnancy represents a lack of importance given to formal education, a fact that mitigates the opportunities and hinders insertion in the labor market, creating a cycle of social inequality. Multidisciplinary efforts involving schools, health services and the youth in educational activities are thus vital, aiming at critical thinking to transform reality.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Brazil
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy in Adolescence*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Socioeconomic Factors