Abstract

TEENAGE PREGNANCY COMPLICATIONS IN SAMARA CITY, IRAQ

*Abdulghani M. Alsamarai, Baida Tawfeq Alsamarai and Yusra Salih Aljubori

ABSTRACT

Background: Adolescent pregnancy is a worldwide health problem. It is estimated that about 11% of births worldwide are to adolescents aged 15–19 years, and more than 90% of these births occur in low- and middle-income countries. Giving birth during adolescence is not only a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes, but also has a negative impact on the future well-being of the mother and infant. Aim: To determine the frequency of adolescent pregnancy adverse outcomes in Samara City. Study Design: A cross- sectional study. Patients and Methods: A 99 adolescent pregnant cases from Samara City recruited during the period from 1st of April to the end of January 2016 to be included in the study. The demographic and obstetric data gathered using a predesigned questionnaire. The information analysed using SPSS package. Results: Teen age pregnancy was associated with high rate of adverse outcomes. Maternal complications were more predominant than neonatal complications. Neonatal complications found were prematurity, low birth weight, and respiratory distress. Whereas the major maternal complications were anaemia, pre-eclampsia and urinary tract infections. Conclusion: Adolescent pregnancy is associated with a high incidence of adverse outcomes which represent an important health problem with social and medical impact.

Keywords: Adolescent pregnancy, Teenage, Iraq, complication.