Comparing the biological and psychosocial risks of pregnancy between groups of adolescents and adults

Pregnancy in adolescence constitutes the main public health problem for this age group, in some countries. The health problems derived from adolescent pregnancy, birth and neonatal attention depend more on factors of social and environmental risk than on physiological and biological risk factors in adolescence. A descriptive study has been conducted of adolescent and adult mothers in Cádiz, Spain, who attended Family Planning Clinic during 1994. By means of multistage, stratified random sampling, 590 women were selected: 305 adolescent mothers between 15 and 19 years of age, and 285 adult mothers of 20 years and over. Various questionnaires were applied to the women, covering: sociodemographic characteristics; pregnancy and birth; family and social support (Duke-Inc and Apgar family); evolution of the health of the baby; and maternal knowledge of child care. Sociodemographically, significant differences (p > 0.01) were obtained in: marital status (more unmarried among adolescents); living in parents' home; fewer working; abandonment of education. No differences were observed in respect of the number of check-ups received during pregnancy. Adult mothers consumed significantly more toxic substances (tobacco, alcohol and drugs) during pregnancy. No differences were appreciated in respect of the birth, or health of the neonate. In adolescents, there was significantly more breast-feeding (p > 0.01) compared with adult mothers, 61.6% (56–67%) and 34% (28.5–34.5%), respectively. Pregnancy in adolescence appears to constitute a psychosocial problem rather than a biological risk.