Repeated pregnancy in adolescence: prevalence and associated factors

Abstract

To analyze the prevalence of repeated pregnancy and the associated factors among adolescents. A cross-sectional study conducted with 124 adolescent mothers aged 10 to 19 years in Caxias, Maranhão, from July to December 2021. A structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic, economic, obstetric and lifestyle data. Descriptive analyses and associations were assessed using Multiple Logistic Regression. Among the 124 adolescents, 107 (86.3%) were older than 15 years; 104 (83.9%) had more than 8 years of schooling; 72 (58.1%) did not have a partner and 113 (91.1%) were unemployed.  The prevalence of repeat pregnancy was 34.7% (N=43) and was significantly associated with the number of pewvious deliveries (p<0.000; OR: 17.62; 95%CI: 6.51-47.68) and the desire to terminate the pregnancy (p=0.047; OR: 3.20; 95%CI: 1.12-9.15). A higher education level found to be a protective factor against repeated pregnancy (p=0.012; OR: 0.28; 95%CI: 0.11-0.76). Is the findings indicate a high prevalence of repeated pregnancy in adolescents with low socioeconomic status and early f sexual initiation. The study highlights the need for improved healthcare planning and services in Primary Health Care for adolescent users.