Comorbidities of Adolescent Pregnancy at a Tertiary Teaching Hospital in Southwestern Uganda

Abstract

Background Adolescent pregnancy presents significant health challenges worldwide. Each year, millions of teenage girls in developing regions become pregnant. In Uganda, teenage pregnancy remains common, with marked regional variations. Adolescents in low socioeconomic situations, with limited education, or who face barriers to contraceptive access are more prone to unintended pregnancies. These pregnancies may result in multiple health complications, including premature births, small for gestational age babies, postpartum depression, anaemia, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at the tertiary institution of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara, Uganda, from July to September 2024, including adolescent pregnant women who presented for antenatal care (ANC) attendance or delivery. Data collection involved clinical examinations (blood pressure and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC)) and laboratory tests (haemoglobin, HIV, hepatitis B, random blood sugar, and urinalysis). Data on socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics were collected through a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using STATA version 17 (StataCorp LLC, College Station, TX, USA), with comorbidities defined by clinical criteria such as hypertension, anaemia, HIV infection, pre-eclampsia, hyperglycaemia, and UTIs. Results Of the total, 252 participants were enrolled. The median age was 18.5 years. Most were married (81.7%), rural residents (54.5%), had completed primary education (52%), and had not used modern contraceptives (84.5%). Among participants, 10.4% were in arranged marriages, 31% had unplanned pregnancies, and 4% had engaged in transactional sex. The average ANC attendance was four visits. Notably, 99.6% of participants had at least one comorbidity, and 3.2% had two or more. The most common comorbidities included UTIs (53.0%), anaemia (34.8%), and HIV infection (8.7%). Less common conditions included hepatitis B (0.4%), hyperglycaemia (7.4%), and pre-eclampsia (1.2%). Conclusion Adolescent pregnancies show a high prevalence of comorbidities, particularly UTIs, anaemia, and HIV. Improved screening and management of these conditions could reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.