Repeat Adolescent Pregnancy: Trends and Associated Factors in a National Referral Hospital in Ecuador (2009-2022)

Toapanta Pinta, Paola; Vasco Toapanta, Cristhian; Vasco Morales, santiago; Rosero Quintana, Mercy

doi:10.5281/zenodo.17523865

Repeat Adolescent Pregnancy: Trends and Associated Factors in a National Referral Hospital in Ecuador (2009-2022)

Toapanta Pinta, Paola; Vasco Toapanta, Cristhian; Vasco Morales, santiago; Rosero Quintana, Mercy

Publisher: Zenodo
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17523865
Repository: zenodo.org
Language: en

Abstract

Repeat pregnancy among adolescents, defined as the occurrence of two or more pregnancies before the age of 20, remains a persistent public health issue in Latin America, with significant implications for maternal and neonatal health, as well as the social development of young women. Despite existing public policies and prevention programs in Ecuador, the prevalence of adolescent pregnancy, particularly repeat pregnancy, remains high. This phenomenon reflects the influence of unresolved social determinants, including limited access to contraceptives, low educational attainment, and exposure to violence. This study aimed to describe the temporal trend of repeat adolescent pregnancy in patients attended at a national referral hospital and to explore associated sociodemographic, obstetric, and perinatal factors.

Full text

The participation in this event was facilitated by a mobility grant from ARES CCD, funded through the Belgian Development Cooperation Repeat Adolescent Pregnancy: Trends and Associated Factors in a National Referral Hospital in Ecuador (2009-2022) Background: Repeat adolescent pregnancy (≥2 pregnancies before age 20) remains a major public health concern in Latin America, linked to adverse maternal–neonatal outcomes and social vulnerability. In Ecuador, rates remain high despite prevention programs, reflecting barriers such as limited contraceptive access, low education, and violence exposure. Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional study (2009–2022) using Perinatal Information System data from a national referral hospital. Included adolescents aged 10–19 years with singleton live births. Analyzed sociodemographic, obstetric, and perinatal factors. Logistic regression estimated adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% CI. Objective: To analyze the temporal trend of repeat adolescent pregnancy in patients attended at a national referral hospital in Ecuador (2009–2022) and to identify associated sociodemographic, obstetric, and perinatal factors. Results: N = 6,695;22.8% had ≥1 prior pregnancy. •Decline 2010–2014; stable from 2016 (20–25%). •Associated with: •Age 15–19 years (aOR 2.94) •Low education (aOR 1.55) •Stable partner (aOR 2.47) •Planned pregnancy (aOR 1.18) •Violence during pregnancy (aOR 1.55) •Cesarean (aOR 1.22) •Prematurity (aOR 1.26) •No significant differences in birth weight, Apgar, or neonatal mortality. Conclusions: Repeat adolescent pregnancy affects >20%of cases and has not significantly declined in recent years. Strongly associated with structural vulnerabilities and higher obstetric complications. Findings highlight the need for strengthened education, violence prevention, and reproductive health services. Figure 1. Trend of repeat adolescent pregnancy at a national referral hospital in Ecuador (2009–2022) Paola Toapanta-Pinta1, Santiago Vasco-Morales1,2, Cristhian Vasco-Toapanta3, Mercy Rosero-Quintana1 1Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador 2Hospital Gineco-Obstétrico Isidro Ayora, Quito, Ecuador 3Universidad de la Rioja, la Rioja, España