Características clínicas e epidemiológicas de gestantes adolescentes usuárias do Sistema Único de Saúde em Passo Fundo - RS

Abstract

Objective: to estimate the prevalence of adolescent pregnancy and adverse maternal and child health outcomes in women assisted in primary health care. Methods: cross-sectional study, whose data were collected through questionnaires answered by women attended at four primary care units in Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil. The clinical and epidemiological issues of pregnant adolescents were analyzed, the prevalence of the phenomenon was calculated, and adverse outcomes were investigated using statistical tests (p<0.05). Results: the sample included 272 women, 17,6% of whom were adolescents. Adolescent pregnancy was mainly found in girls after the age of 15, non-white, with a partner, incomplete high school, unemployed and low-income. The age at menarche predominated up to 12 years and sexarche after 15 years. Most of them were primiparous, did not plan their pregnancy, started prenatal care in the first trimester, did not use contraceptives before becoming pregnant or after delivery. Statistical significance was absent in preterm delivery and low birth weight, and present for episiotomy and instrumented delivery. Conclusions adolescent pregnancy has a high prevalence and is associated with a characteristic clinical and epidemiological profile.