BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL ASPECTS OF PUERPERAL ADOLESCENTS IN THE CITY OF JOÃO PESSOA, PARAÍBA, BRAZIL

Abstract

Objective: To identify the biopsychosocial characteristics of pregnant adolescents assisted in the maternities of Lauro Wanderley University Hospital and Candida Vargas Institute, in the city of João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil. Material and Methods: This was a descriptive, observational and cross-sectional study, whose sample consisted of 104 adolescents, aged between 13 and 19 years, whom were approached in the immediate postpartum period. The data were collected from medical records and interviews with the mothers in the immediate postpartum period. Results: The mean age of participants was 18.5±1.4 years; 52.4 % had mixed ethnicity; 61.5% had dropped out of school; 90% had studied in a public school. There was a predominance of the elementary education level (55.8%). The family and the partner supported the adolescent during pregnancy in 94.2% and 87.5% of cases, respectively. Conclusion: The most common age group of adolescent mothers was between 16 and 19 years, although there was a significant rate of mothers aged between 17 and 19 years. In addition, there was a high prevalence of mothers who dropped out of school due to pregnancy; however, in general, the adolescents were supported by their family and child's father. DESCRIPTORS Teenage pregnancy. Living conditions. Health profile.