[Characteristics of adolescent pregnancy in São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil].
OBJECTIVE
To identify the main socioeconomic, demographic, anthropometric and behavioral characteristics, and pregnancy outcomes of adolescent pregnancy and to assess health services used by pregnant adolescents.


METHODS
Data were collected from a cross-section of 2,429 deliveries by women residing in the municipality of São Luís, Brazil, of which 94% were hospital births. Women were categorized into six age groups. The two groups of teenagers (under 18 and 18-19 years) were compared to four groups of older women. Comparison was also made between the two teenage groups. The chi-square test was used to compare proportions and prevalence ratio was used as an effect measure.


RESULTS
Of 2,429 women, 714 (29.4%) were adolescents. Their specific fertility coefficient was higher than in other regions of the country. Adolescents showed lower socioeconomic and reproductive conditions than older women and a higher proportion of inadequate prenatal care. The majority had no partner. They had the lowest percentages of caesarean section and smokers.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite their equally unfavorable socioeconomic situation, 18-19 year-old adolescents had pregnancy outcomes comparable to the age group 25-29, whereas those under 18 had the highest proportions of low birth weight, preterm birth, and infant mortality rate. This suggests that biologic immaturity may be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Hospital Universitário, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brasil.
Vanda Maria Ferreira
VM
Simões
Antônio Augusto Moura
AA
da Silva
Heloisa
H
Bettiol
Fernando
F
Lamy-Filho
Sueli Rosina
SR
Tonial
Elba Gomide
EG
Mochel
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D008423:Maternal Age; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011253:Pregnancy in Adolescence; D011295:Prenatal Care; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors