Prevalence and Risk Factors for Infections in a Pregnant Adolescent Population

Our objective was to identify risk factors associated with maternal infections and placental inflammation in pregnant adolescents attending an urban adolescent maternity clinic.

This cross-sectional, descriptive study used survey and medical chart data collected at entry and prospectively across gestation. The prevalence of maternal infections and placental inflammation was determined and potential risk factors were identified.

Rochester Adolescent Maternal Program (RAMP) in Rochester, NY.

Racially and ethnically diverse pregnant adolescents (n = 158 ≤ 18 y at entry) were recruited.

Main outcome measures were diagnosis of an infection or inflammatory condition in relation to demographic, anthropometric, dietary, socioeconomic, and health data.

The three most prevalent infections diagnosed in this study population were recto-vaginal colonization of group B Streptococcus (GBS) (38%), bacterial vaginosis (BV) (40%) and candida (42%). African-American teens (AOR = 4.6; 95% CI: 1.74-13.02) and those with higher pre-pregnancy BMI (ppBMI; AOR = 1.2; 95% CI: 1.04-1.31) were more likely to test positive for BV across gestation. Older maternal age decreased the likelihood of positive tests for trichomoniasis (OR = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.26-0.92) and gonorrhea (OR = 0.38; 95% CI: 0.16-0.82). Higher mean dietary vitamin D intake (mcg/d) was associated with a lower likelihood of testing positive for recto-vaginal GBS (OR = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.77-0.98).

Addressing modifiable risk factors associated with dietary intake and pre-pregnancy weight may help reduce health disparities among pregnant minority adolescents. Additionally, targeted sexual health education may greatly benefit younger female adolescents.