Repeated adolescent pregnancy in Brazil from 2015 to 2019

Abstract

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the rate of repeated pregnancy in adolescence and its association with early marriage and education level. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted by searching the Live Births Data System. The study included all adolescents in the age group 10–19 years with live births from 2015 to 2019 (n=2,405,248), divided into three groups: G1: primiparas; G2: with 1 previous pregnancy; and G3: with two or more previous pregnancies. RESULTS: Total repeated pregnancies remained stable, along the years. In the age group 10–14 years, the decrease in the period was from 5.0 to 4.7%, whereas in the age group 15–19 years, it was from 27.8 to 27.3%. Being married or in a stable union increases by 96% the chance of repeated pregnancy in the age group 10–14 years (p<0.001; OR=1.96; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.85–2.09). In the age group 15–19 years, the chance of repeated pregnancy among the married or in stable union increased 40% (p<0.001; OR=1.40; 95%CI 1.39–1.41)). Girls aged 10–14 years with an education level of<8 years had a 64% higher chance of repeated pregnancy (p<0.001; OR=1.64; 95%CI 1.53–1.75), and among those aged 15–19 years, there was a 137% higher chance of repeated pregnancy (p<0.001; OR=2.37; 95%CI 2.35–2.38). CONCLUSION: Repeated pregnancy in adolescence in Brazil remains very high over the years. There is an association between low education level and early marriage with repeated pregnancies in adolescence.

Nurses' Challenges Regarding Adolescent Behavior in Preventing Early Pregnancy

“…Nkurunziza et al (2023) suggest approaching adolescents through peer educators who are well-informed and skilled in reducing adolescent pregnancy. As nurses, it is crucial to prevent early pregnancies and avoid their recurrence, as seen in other countries like Brazil between 2015 and 2019 (Monteiro et al, 2023). Various factors at individual, interpersonal, environmental, and legal/policy levels significantly contribute to high rates of adolescent pregnancy (Malunga et al, 2023).…”