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[Abortion and miscarriage in adolescence: an epidemiological study]
Leila Maria Vieira1, Tamara Beres Lederer Goldberg, Sandra de Oliveira Saes
1Departamento de Pediatria, Universidade do Sagrado Coração, Rua Irmã Arminda 10-50, Jardim, Brasil. lmoreira@usc.br
Ciencia & Saude Coletiva
|September 25, 2008
Summary
Adolescent pregnancy terminations, including abortions and miscarriages, were analyzed. Results show a decrease in adolescent cases and a higher incidence of complete abortions compared to adults.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Epidemiology
- Adolescent Medicine
Background:
- Adolescent pregnancy terminations present unique public health challenges.
- Understanding epidemiological trends is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare pregnancy terminations (abortions and miscarriages) in adolescents versus adult women.
- To establish an epidemiological profile of hospitalized women undergoing such procedures.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of medical records from Santa Izabel Maternity Hospital (2000-2003).
- Data collection focused on women diagnosed with abortion or miscarriage, irrespective of clinical presentation.
- Comparison of termination rates, clinical forms, and hospitalization duration between adolescent and adult groups.
Main Results:
- A total of 2,286 early pregnancy terminations were recorded, with 459 (20.08%) involving adolescents.
- The complete form of abortion was significantly more prevalent in teenagers than in adult women.
- A declining trend in adolescent pregnancy terminations was observed from 2000 (30.5%) to 2003 (20.92%).
- Adolescents showed a tendency for longer hospital stays (≥2 days).
Conclusions:
- Adolescent pregnancy terminations represent a significant portion of hospitalizations, though a decreasing trend was noted.
- Specific clinical forms and hospitalization patterns differ between adolescent and adult populations.
- There is a critical need for enhanced sexual and reproductive health policies and programs for adolescents.
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