What was the trend of the adolescent pregnancy delivery rate at Paarl Hospital over the past 10 years (1999-2008)?
Date
2011-12
Authors
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Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH SUMMARY : Background: Despite government strategies to reduce the number of unintended or unplanned pregnancies, the number of adolescent pregnancies in South Africa continues to rise. The aim of this study was to determine the adolescent pregnancy delivery rate at Paarl Hospital and to see what the trend was over a 10 year period (1999-2008).
Methods: A retrospective observational study was done and the data was obtained from the birth register at Paarl hospital and therefore information of pregnancy statistics over the 10 year period. This research study included adolescent females giving birth at age 19 years and younger.
Results: Of the 40576 mothers giving birth at Paarl Hospital from 1 January 1999 until 31 December 2008 8182 (20.16%) were adolescents (age 19 years and younger at the time of delivery). Adolescents younger than 15 years of age were a total of 200 (2.4%) of the total adolescents giving birth and showed an upward trend over the 10 year period. The trend of adolescents’ age 15-19 years of age at delivery had stabilized since 2001.
Conclusions: Adolescent pregnancies are a relevant and significant point of concern in the Paarl area, which is important not only because of its associated socioeconomic problems but also for the health implications such as HIV/AIDS.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING : Geen opsomming beskikbaar.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING : Geen opsomming beskikbaar.
Description
Thesis (MFamMed)--Stellenbosch University, 2011.
Keywords
Teenage pregnancy -- Paarl (South Africa), Public hospitals -- Paarl (South Africa), Childbirth -- Statistics -- Paarl (South Africa), UCTD