RISK-FACTORS OF PREGNANCY IN TEENAGE GIRL S USING FAMILY-PLANNING

Background: Pregnancy and maternity during adolescence constitutes an obstetric and perinatal risk factor and reason for increased social al arm. Nonetheless, the predisposing factors have been little studied in Spain. Methods: The demographic data and information on the age of on set of sexual relations, contraceptive methods used, in addition to th e reason for the first visit, corresponding to the users of six munici pal family planning centers in Barcelona who were under the age of 20 years at the time of the first visit were analyzed. Likewise, the prin cipal incidences in the follow up, including pregnancies, abortions an d changes in contraceptive methods were collected. Results: From Octob er 1989 to September 1990 823 first visits corresponding to adolescent s were registered. Forty-five percent (380) were under the age of 18 y ears with 716 (87%) having initiated full sexual relations with more t han two years having passed prior to the first visit to the center in 183 cases (26%). The most frequent reason for the visit to the center was to request contraception (48%). The lack of laboral and academic a ctivity, in addition to the infrequent use to condoms were associated to pregnancy as the reason for the consultation in 42 cases. Twenty-fo ur adolescents became pregnant during follow up being associated to th e early initiation of sexual relations, with an interval of two or mor e years prior to attending the center and a change in contraceptive me thod. Conclusions: The delay in attending family planning centers and the use of little effective contraceptive methods are risk factors for undesired pregnancy in adolescence.