Pregnancy recurrence in adolescents in Southern Brazil

• Main Authors: Mariza Zanchi, Raúl Andrés Mendoza-Sassi, Marilyn Rita da Silva, Sheylla Gorges de Almeida, Lisiane Ortiz Teixeira, Carla Vitola Gonçalves
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Associação Médica Brasileira
• Series: Revista da Associação Médica Brasileira
• Subjects: comportamento sexual; gravidez na adolescência; recidiva
• Online Access: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0104-42302017000700628&lng=en&tlng=en

Summary Objective: To determine the pregnancy recurrence among adolescents and young people in a city located in the extreme south of Brazil and to identify associated factors. Method: One hundred and twelve (112) women participated, having delivered their children in 2010, while adolescents. The sample was stratified in two stages, being the first a census of the whole population of the city and the second a convenience sample. For statistical analysis, Pearson Chi-square test was used, with a significance level of 5%. Results: The recurrence rate was 53.6%, with an average of 28.6 months. At the time of delivery, in 2010, recurrence was significantly associated with level of education (p=0.044) as well as not being in school (p=0.036). In 2014, the factors associated were level of education (p<0.001), transcript of grades (p=0.030) and income (p=0.030). Conclusion: Recurrence of teenage pregnancy represents a lack of importance given to formal education, a fact that mitigates the opportunities and hinders insertion in the labor market, creating a cycle of social inequality. Multidisciplinary efforts involving schools, health services and the youth in educational activities are thus vital, aiming at critical thinking to transform reality.