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The risk for infant mortality among adolescent childbearing groups

Maureen G Phipps1, Maryfran Sowers, Sonya M DeMonner

  • 1Brown Medical School, Women & Infant Hospital of Rhode Island, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Providence, Rhode Island 02905-2401, USA. mphipps@wihri.org

Journal of Women'S Health (2002)
|March 11, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Infant mortality is significantly higher for mothers 15 years old and younger. Not reporting the father on the birth certificate is a potential risk marker for infant mortality.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Health
  • Perinatal Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Adolescent childbearing presents unique challenges.
  • Infant mortality rates vary significantly across different adolescent age groups.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate risk disparities for infant mortality among adolescent childbearing age groups.
  • To identify risk factors associated with infant mortality in adolescent mothers.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 1995-1996 U.S. birth cohorts (777,762 singleton, first births).
  • Inclusion of 4,631 infant deaths linked to mothers aged 12-19 years.
  • Utilized bivariate comparisons and multivariable logistic regression.

Main Results:

  • Infant mortality rates were highest for mothers <=15 years old (8.1/1000) compared to 16-17 (6.3/1000) and 18-19 (5.4/1000).
  • Mothers <=15 years old had 1.6 times greater risk of infant mortality, even after adjusting for known risk factors.
  • Unreported fathers on birth certificates were associated with a 24% increased infant mortality risk.

Conclusions:

  • Childbearing at <=15 years old is linked to substantially increased infant mortality risk.
  • Not reporting the father on birth certificates may serve as a risk marker.
  • Tailored interventions are needed, considering age-specific risks in adolescent mothers.
Abstract

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