Factors Associated With Birth Defects in Children of Teenage Mothers in the Agona East District of the Central Region, Ghana

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2020-01

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University of Ghana

Abstract

Teenage pregnancy and the adverse complications that come with it is a global issue of concern. Globally, over 8.14 million teenagers give birth annually with majority of these births taking place in low- and middle-income countries. In Ghana, over 75000 teenagers give births each year with Central region accounting for more than 20% (Konadu Gyesaw & Ankomah, 2013). The problems and issues of teenage pregnancy does not only affect the victims but also their families and community. It has been observed that teenage pregnancy follows a totally different pathway as compared to pregnancy in older reproductive women (Edessy et al., 2014). Also, the diverse factors associated with teenage pregnancy play a key role in exposing new-borns to infant mortality and birth defects which can lead to morbidity. Birth defects represent a considerable and increasing clinical and public health challenge because of their global impact on the health of various populations. It occurs 1 in 33 births and this is translated into over 8 million births globally every year (WHO, 2013). This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with birth defects in children of teenage mothers in the Agona East District in the Central region of Ghana. METHODOLOGY: This study was an analytical cross-sectional study using mixed methods. The quantitative part of the study examined the risk factors teenage mothers were exposed to during their pregnancy. The qualitative part of the study of the study involved focus group discussions with teenage mothers. Five focus groups were formed comprising 4-5 teenage mothers in each group. Quantitative data were analysed using Stata version 15.0 while qualitative data were analysed thematically using manual method where recordings were transcribed and coded manually using thematic content analysis. Result: A total of 153 children aged 0-2 years and their teenage mothers with a mean age of 17.6 (+ 1.3SD) were selected and included in this study. The study observed a 49% prevalence of birth defect among children of teenage mothers. However, for confirmed cases by medical report, 29% prevalence was observed. Two significant factors were observed to have contributed to the birth defect prevalence. Teenage mothers who took abortion drugs (such as Cytotec, chloramphenicol, medabond etc) during pregnancy were at increased odds of giving birth to children with some defects if abortion is not successful (AOR: 4.42; 95% CI: 1.24-15.73) while children born to teenage mothers who were exposed to radiation during pregnancy, irrespective of the period the exposure occurred, were also more likley to have birth defect compared to children whose teenage mothers did not experience any form of exposure during the pregnancy (AOR: 4.34; 95% CI: 1.03-18.24). The qualitative interviews suggest that knowledge and awareness among the teenage mothers on birth defect was generally low but those affected find it very daunting and demanding to take care of the children. Teenage pregnancy experiences shared during FGDs showed high levels of stigma against teenage pregnant mothers which pushed them to attempt for abortion. A number of teenage mothers perceived lack of access to quality healthcare and poor economic situation as factors causing birth defects in babies. Some of them reported how teenage pregnancy and caring for their child with birth defect denied them the opportunity to continue their education or complete their skill training. Conclusion: The study identified 2 main factors (attempted abortion and exposure to radiation) were more profoundly associated with birth defect in children of teenage mothers. The study also found that there was low knowledge about birth defect among teenage mothers and most teenagers whose children had birth defects suffered stigma in the community. There is the need for health authorities to institute clear policies and programmes targeting adolescent girls who have children with birth defects to ensure that their health needs are adequately addressed.

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MA. Public Health

Keywords

Teenage Pregnancy, Ghana, Central Region, Agona East District, Birth Defects

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