Obstetrical and Perinatal Outcomes of Adolescent Pregnancies in Cameroon: A Retrospective Cohort Study at the Yaoundé General Hospital

Background: Adolescent pregnancy is a serious health and social problem worldwide as well as in Cameroon. The aim of this study was to determine the obstetrical and perinatal outcomes of nulliparous adolescent pregnancies in a reference hospital in Cameroon. Methods: A retrospective cohort study to compare the outcomes of nulliparous adolescent pregnancies to those of nulliparous women aged 20 to 25 years was carried out at the Yaoundé General Hospital between January 1993 and December 2012. Results: Adolescent deliveries represented 2.84% (331 deliveries) of all deliveries registered during the study period. The adolescent mothers had a significantly higher incidence of preeclampsia/eclampsia, preterm delivery and low birth weight babies (<2500 g) when compared to the control group (OR, 3.46; CI 95%, 1.46 8.18; OR, 1.94 CI 95%, 1.34 2.79; OR, 1.98, CI 95%, 1.39 2.46, respectively). However, placenta previa, abruptio placenta, episiotomy, cesarean section, vaginal instrumental delivery, perineal tears and post partum hemorrhage were not significantly different in the two groups. Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding fetal distress, low Apgar score (<7 at the 1st and 5th minutes), the rate of admission in the neonatal intensive care unit, stillbirth and neonatal death. Conclusion: Adolescent pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia/ eclampsia, preterm birth and low birth weight. Corresponding author. J. D. Kemfang Ngowa et al. 89