[Social and familial characteristics of pregnant adolescents seen at a high-risk care module].
OBJECTIVE
Our aim was to identify social and familial characteristics in the pregnant adolescents.


METHODS
We conducted a cross-sectional survey in 74 pregnant adolescents referred to the Mexican Institute of Social Security's (IMSS) Vicente Guerrero Regional General Hospital High-Risk Module in Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico from September to November, 2003. An opinion-descriptive questionnaire was formulated by a Committee of Experts and was applied to pregnant adolescents. Variables studied included personal data, obstetrics, and family characteristics.


RESULTS
With regard to personal characteristics, average participant age was 17 years, 21 (28%) participants had a high-school academic level, 66 (89%) entertained an interest in continuing their academic studies, 49 (66%) were married, 66 (89%)were homemakers, 35 (47%) mentioned that the reason they got pregnant was to get married, while (36%) got married to leave their original home situation, 54 (73%) accepted the pregnancy, and 71 (96%) of participants reported feelings of responsibility with regard to caring for their infants. Obstetrical characteristics included sexual activity beginning at an average age of 15 years, 63 (85%) of participants' mothers had a pregnancy during adolescence, and 63 (85%) received information on contraceptives but 51 (69%) did not use these. Family characteristics showed 48 cases (65%) had parents who were married, 58 (62%) of participants lived with their spouses' family, 26 (35%) reported more confidence with their mothers, and 68 (92%) had support from their spouse during the pregnancy.


CONCLUSIONS
It is essential to develop and organize a strategy to improve integral care for pregnant adolescents individually, in the family, and socially that includes active participation in the health education process, needs identification, and deciding on the best choices.
Cueva Arana
Victoria
V
Unidad de Medicina Familiar 9, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Acapulco, Guerrero. mdvickycueva@todito.com
Olvera Guerra
Jesús Fernando
JF
Chumacera López
Rosa María
RM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003710:Demography; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009042:Motivation; D011247:Pregnancy; D011253:Pregnancy in Adolescence; D012307:Risk Factors