Characteristics associated with loss to post-partum follow-up among adolescent mothers

To identify the rate and associated factors of loss to post-partum follow-up among adolescent mothers.

A matched case-control study was conducted among Thai adolescents who gave birth between January 2011 and December 2016 and were scheduled for a 6-week post-partum visit. Cases (n = 568) included mothers who did not return for follow-up whereas controls (n = 568) were mothers who attended a post-partum visit. Cases were matched with controls according to age group and date of delivery.

During the study period, 2335 Thai adolescent mothers were scheduled for a post-partum visit. Of these, 568 mothers (24.3%) did not return for post-partum care. The strongest predictor for loss to post-partum follow-up was inadequate number of antenatal visits (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.51-3.04), followed by being single/separated/divorced (aOR 1.58, 95% CI 1.08-2.29) and lower level of education (aOR 1.57, 95% CI 1.14-2.17). Being a student was a positive factor associated with post-partum visit attendance (aOR 0.57, 95% CI 0.40-0.80).

Approximately one quarter of adolescent mothers did not attend a post-partum visit. Three independent characteristics associated with loss to post-partum follow-up included inadequate number of antenatal visits, being single/separated/divorced and lower level of education. Being a student was positively associated with post-partum visit attendance. Intensive intervention programs including using technology to remind post-partum women, home visits and counseling during the immediate post-partum period should be implemented to increase the post-partum attendance rate among adolescent mothers.