Adolescent pregnancy at the Matron Roberts Clinic (August 2012 – August 2014), Belize

Abstract

Introduction: Worldwide, teenage pregnancy continues to be an impediment to improving the educational, economic and social condition of women. In the case of young women, marriage and early motherhood greatly limit education and employment opportunities. The World Health Organization divides adolescence into two stages: between 10 and 14 years of age and between 15 and 20 years of age. Our objective was to characterize pregnant adolescents treated at the Matron Roberts Clinic in Belize. Method: We studied the 118 adolescents treated during the period of August 2012-August 2014. Maternal characteristics were described such as age, marital status, education, and diseases concurrent with pregnancy were identified. Results: There is a predominance of pregnant single adolescents with a high school education level, and the prevailing ages were between 17 and 18 years. Conclusions: Teenage pregnancy in Belize is attributed to the fact that there are areas of low cultural level, with a series of taboos and socio-cultural problems, which in adolescence lead to dropping out of school and pregnancies at an early age. Furthermore, the influence of the media is relevant in showing scenes that exacerbate sexual desire at an early age. It is recommended to prevent and control teenage pregnancies and control preconception risk.