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Maternal and Child Health Journal
Published in: Maternal and Child Health Journal 2/2008

01-03-2008

Adverse Perinatal Outcomes of Adolescent Pregnancies in Cameroon

Authors: Eugene Justine Kongnyuy, Philip N. Nana, Nelson Fomulu, Shey Charles Wiysonge, Luc Kouam, Anderson S. Doh

Published in: Maternal and Child Health Journal | Issue 2/2008

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Abstract

Background

There are geographic variations in fetal outcomes of adolescent pregnancies because of socio-economic differences between regions and countries. The aim of our study was to determine adverse fetal outcomes associated with adolescent pregnancies in Cameroon.

Methods

A cross-sectional study to compare the outcomes of 268 singleton, adolescent pregnancies with 832 controls, delivered in four referral hospitals in Yaounde (Cameroon), between November 2004 and April 2005.

Results

The adverse fetal outcomes related to adolescent pregnancies were low birth weight (<2,500 g) (odds ratios [OR], 1.71; confidence interval [CI], 1.15–2.50), premature babies (<37 weeks) (OR, 1.77; CI, 1.24–2.52) and early neonatal death (OR, 2.18; CI, 1.04–4.48). The rates of stillbirth and intrauterine growth retardation were not significantly higher among adolescents. Adverse maternal outcome associated with adolescent pregnancies were eclampsia (OR, 3.18; CI, 1.21–8.32), preeclampsia (OR, 1.99; CI, 1.24–3.15), perineal tear (OR, 1.45; CI, 1.06–1.99) and episiotomy (OR, 1.82; CI, 1.20–2.73). Caesarean delivery, instrumental delivery and premature rupture of membranes were not significantly associated with adolescent pregnancy. Maternal factors associated with adverse fetal outcome in adolescents were maternal age, number of prenatal visits <4, and the state of being unemployed.

Conclusion

Adolescent pregnancies are associated with both adverse fetal and maternal outcomes in Cameroon. Improving compliance with prenatal care could significantly reduce the frequency of adverse fetal outcomes in adolescent populations in Cameroon.
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Metadata
Title
Adverse Perinatal Outcomes of Adolescent Pregnancies in Cameroon
Authors
Eugene Justine Kongnyuy
Philip N. Nana
Nelson Fomulu
Shey Charles Wiysonge
Luc Kouam
Anderson S. Doh
Publication date
01-03-2008
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Maternal and Child Health Journal / Issue 2/2008
Print ISSN: 1092-7875
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6628
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-007-0235-y

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