Risk factors and complications associated with pregnancy in adolescents treated at the Dr. Luis "Chicho" Fábrega Hospital from January to December 2022

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Teen pregnancy is a public health problem. Latin America is the region with the highest adolescent fertility in the world after Sub-Saharan Africa. In Panama about 15 to 20% of pregnancies occur in adolescents despite strategies, hence the interest in conducting this study which aimed to know the risk factors and complications associated with pregnancy in adolescents aged 10 to 19 years who completed their pregnancy at the Hospital Dr. Luis “Chicho” Fábrega between January and December 2022. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted where the records of said patients were reviewed. The Epi Info 7 program was used to calculate the sample, tabulate and analyze the information. RESULTS: It was possible to know that out of 3353 deliveries attended 16% were adolescents. Determinants were described as place of residence in Comarcas (35.7%), start of sexual life between 10 and 13 years (12.1%), multiparity (17%), vaginal (62.1%) and cesarean (37.9%), loss of fetal well-being (36.5%). The most frequent complications were birth canal tear (17.4%), anemia (16.1%) and premature rupture of membranes (15.6%). CONCLUSIONS: These results support the need to improve strategies to prevent modifiable risk factors and prevent adolescent pregnancy and its complications.