Differences in Socio-Economic Status, Service Utilization, and Pregnancy Outcomes between Teenage and Adult Mothers
Sirikul Isaranurug MD, MPH*, Ladda Mo-suwan MD**, Chanpen Choprapawon MD***
Affiliation : * ASEAN Institution for Health Development, Mahidol University ** Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University *** Prospective Cohort Study in Thai Children
Background : Teenage pregnancies put mothers at high-risks to many health-related complications and new-
born infants to poor birth-outcomes.
Objective : The present study aimed to explore the relationship of socio-economic status, service utilization,
and pregnancy outcomes between teenage and adult mothers.
Materials and Methods : The study design was a population-based prospective cohort study conducted in four
districts located in different geographical areas of Thailand. All pregnancies occurring within one year, in
each of the selected districts as of October 2000, were identified and recruited as the study’s cohorts. Data was
collected by interviewing cohort-respondents and through reviewing medical records.
Results : The present study showed that teenage pregnancies accounted for 13.3% of all pregnancies in the
study area. Approximately two thirds of the teenage cohort (i.e. 68.8%) were 18-19 years of age, while the
remaining cohort members were 14-17 years of age (i.e. 26.1% aged 16-17 years, and 5.1% aged 14-15 years).
The percentage of low-birth weights for teenage and adult mothers were 15.1% and 8.8% respectively. A
higher percentage of teenage mothers enrolled in or completed secondary or higher levels of education has
had more abnormal deliveries in comparison with adult mothers. In comparison with the non-teenage mothers,
a greater proportion of teenage mothers had insufficient income, did not own their homes/houses, were single
parents, had fewer consultations with health personnel, did not plan their pregnancy, were pregnant for the
first time, and delivered infants with low-birth weights.
Conclusion : The prevalence of teenage pregnancies in Thailand remains high. Most teenage mothers and
their newborn infants are vulnerable to a variety of potentially serious health problems, and accordingly need
appropriate help and support.
Keywords : Teenage mother, Socio-economic status, Service utilization, Pregnancy outcomes
