科研之友
微信
新浪微博
Facebook
分享链接
摘要
Objectives: To document the patterns of first-order fertility rates associated with extreme maternal ages in Taiwan; determine if there is a gap in adverse birth outcomes (specifically low birth weight and prematurity) between adolescent mothers and older mothers; and determine which factors are important in explaining the differences in adverse birth outcomes between adolescent mothers and older mothers. %26lt;br%26gt;Study design: Government statistics and survey data [Taiwan Birth Cohort Survey (TBCS)]. %26lt;br%26gt;Methods: Descriptive statistics and logistic regression. %26lt;br%26gt;Results: Between 1989 and 2009, the first-order fertility rate for mothers aged 15-19 years decreased, whereas that for mothers aged 35-49 years increased. Analysis of TBCS data revealed that, in comparison with older mothers, adolescent mothers are not necessarily at higher risk for adverse birth outcomes. Birth complications, pregnancy-related risks, adequate number of prenatal care visits and weight gain are more important than socio-economic status and prevalence of smoking in determining birth outcomes among first-time mothers of extreme reproductive ages. Adolescent mothers are less likely to have birth complications and pregnancy-related risks, but are more likely to have an inadequate number of prenatal care visits and to gain an inadequate amount of weight compared with older mothers. %26lt;br%26gt;Conclusions: The risks associated with adolescent mothers are easier to manage than the risks associated with older mothers. Their birth outcomes can be improved through good policy. Taiwan%26apos;s health policy should target specific risks to reduce the number of adverse birth outcomes among adolescent mothers rather than try to prevent all childbearing during adolescence.
- 出版日期2012-12
