Determinants of complications in adolescent pregnancies: a cross-sectional analytical study in three hospitals in Yaoundé
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20254252Keywords:
Adolescent, Pregnancy, Complications, Determinants, YaoundéAbstract
Background: Adolescent pregnancy remains a pressing public health issue in Cameroon, contributing significantly to maternal and neonatal complications. Understanding the determinants of these complications is crucial to improving care and outcomes for pregnant adolescents in Yaoundé. The objective of the study was to describe the key sociodemographic, clinical, and healthcare-related factors associated with complications among pregnant adolescents in Yaoundé.
Methods: We conducted a prospective, hospital-based cross-sectional analytical study over eight months (October 2024–June 2025) in three hospitals in Yaoundé. The study involved adolescent girls aged 15–19 years attending antenatal care or birthing at these sites. Data were collected using pretested questionnaires and analysed using Stata SE17 and R 4.4.3, with statistical significance set at p<0.05.
Results: Out of 215 adolescent mothers enrolled, 22% experienced complications, with perineal lacerations (30.7%) and low birth weight (21.9%) being the most common maternal and foetal complications respectively. Significant independent risk factors for complications included having fewer than 4 antenatal care visits (aOR=3.75, p=0.011) and unemployed partner or working in the informal sector (aOR=7.60, p=0.008). Additionally, receiving good preventive care during ANC was found to be a protective factor (OR=0.21, p=0.015). Other factors such as age, education level, history of abortion, and partner support were not significantly associated with complications.
Conclusion: Adolescent pregnancy is subject to overlapping socioeconomic and healthcare limitations, leading to high maternal and neonatal complications despite hospital-based deliveries. Addressing these outcomes requires adolescent-centered, multidisciplinary management including by families, clinicians, researchers, and government policies.
References
Amjad S, MacDonald I, Chambers T, Osornio-Vargas A, Chandra S, Voaklander D, et al. Social determinants of health and adverse maternal and birth outcomes in adolescent pregnancies: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol. 2019;33(1):88-99.
Diabelková J, Rimárová K, Dorko E, Urdzík P, Houžvičková A, Argalášová Ľ. Adolescent Pregnancy Outcomes and Risk Factors. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023;20(5):4113.
World Health Organization. World Health Statistics 2016. 2016. Available at: https://www.who.int/ docs/default-source/gho-documents/world-health-statistic-reports/world-heatlth-statistics-2016.pdf. Accessed on 14 July 2025.
Sully EA, Biddlecom A, Darroch JE, Taylor Riley T, Lori S, Ashford LS, et al. Adding It Up: Investing in Sexual and Reprod Health. 2019;10:13-63.
Kassa GM, Arowojolu AO, Odukogbe AA, Yalew AW. Prevalence and determinants of adolescent pregnancy in Africa: a systematic review and Meta-analysis. Reprod Health. 2018;15:195.
Kabemba B, Alimasi Y, Ntambwe A, Kalamba, M, Kitenge, F, Nyongonyi, O et al. Adolescent Pregnancy and Delivery in the Rural Areas of DR. Congo: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study (2014 to 2016). Open Access Library J. 2018;5:1-20.
Fouelifack FY, Tameh TY, Mbong EN, Nana PN, Fouedjio JH, Fouogue JT, et al. Outcome of deliveries among adolescent girls at the Yaoundé central hospital. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2014;14:1-10.
Njim T, Choukem S, Atashili J, Mbu R. Adolescent Deliveries in a Secondary-Level Care Hospital of Cameroon: A Retrospective Analysis of the Prevalence, 6-Year Trend, and Adverse Outcomes. J Pediatr Adolescent Gynecol. 2016;29(6):632-4.
Essiben F, Philip NN, Sadjoli D, Moukouri SGFS, Ojong SA, Ngate Aet al. Adolescent Pregnancies: Maternal and Fetal Complications In Yaounde University Hospitals. J Gynecol Reprod Med. 2017;1:1-5.
Ngowa J, Kasia JM, Pisoh WD, Ngassam A, Noa C. Obstetrical and Perinatal Outcomes of Adolescent Pregnancies in Cameroon: A Retrospective Cohort Study at the Yaoundé General Hospital. Open J Obstet Gynecol. 2015;5:88-93.
Dohbit JS, Meka ENU, Mve KV, Bogne JB, Foumane P. High ‘Loss to Follow-Up’ of Adolescent Pregnancies in Yaounde. What are the Determinants and Challenges? J Gynecol Women’s Health. 2018;12:1-8.
Essiben F, Didjo C, Koh VM, Ngo UM J, Nsahlai C, Foumane P. Adolescent Sexual Behavior in an Urban Area of a Resource-Limited African Country, Cameroon. Open J Obstet Gynecol. 2019;9:923-35.
Nsahlai C, Meguieze C, Zahra’ou F, Meka E, Etouckey E, Obama M. An Overview of Adolescent Pregnancy in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Open J Obstet Gynecol. 2022;12:1191-201.
Njim T, Tanyitiku BS, Babila CS. Prevalence of adolescent deliveries and its complications in Cameroon: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Public Health. 2020;78:24.
Agbor VN, Mbanga CM, Njim T. Adolescent deliveries in rural Cameroon: an 8-year trend, prevalence and adverse maternofoetal outcomes. Reprod Health. 2017;14:122.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
