ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To study sexuality, pregnancy and delivery in female teenagers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional prospective study from January 1(st), 1997 to May 31(st), 1998 concerning 276 female teenagers. The studied features were compared with a control group of 300 women aged more than 18 years chosen at random. RESULTS: Among 5204 women who delivered during the study period, 5.30% were teenagers. Their mean age was 14 years five months; 84.06% were single; 2.90% were married and 13.04% were concubines. Analysis of social background showed that 41.66% had attended school, 51.10% had dropped out, and 7.24% were illiterate. Mean age at first sexual intercourse was 13 years 9 months. Only 14.13% practised contraception, none used a condom. Mean term of the first prenatal consultation was 26 weeks gestation. Predominant pathological conditions observed during pregnancy were infections, anemia and complications of high blood pressure. Mean term at delivery (generally vaginal) was 38 weeks gestation. The rates of perinatal mortality and referral to the department of neonatology were higher than in the control population. CONCLUSION: Risk remains high for teenage pregnancy. Reduction of complication requires combined medical, psychological and social management.
