อมยิ้มABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate whether adolescent
pregnancy is a risk factor for low birth weight (LBW) babies.
METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of mothers and their newborns
from a birth cohort in Aracaju, Northeastern Brazil. Data were collected
consecutively from March to July 2005. Information collected included
socioeconomic, biological and reproductive aspects of the mothers, using a
standardized questionnaire. The impact of early pregnancy on birth weight
was evaluated by multiple logistic regression.
RESULTS: We studied 4,746 pairs of mothers and their babies. Of these,
20.6% were adolescents (< 20 years of age). Adolescent mothers had worse
socioeconomic and reproductive conditions and perinatal outcomes when
compared to other age groups. Having no prenatal care and smoking during
pregnancy were the risk factors associated with low birth weight. Adolescent
pregnancy, when linked to marital status “without partner”, was associated
with an increased proportion of low birth weight babies.
CONCLUSIONS: Adolescence was a risk factor for LBW only for mothers
without partners. Smoking during pregnancy and lack of prenatal care were
considered to be independent risk factors for LBW.
DESCRIPTORS: Pregnancy in Adolescence. Infant, Low Birth Weight.
Prenatal Care. Risk Factors. Socioeconomic Factors. Cross-Sectional
Studies.