Assessment of pregnancy - Related Health Problems among Less Than 18 Years Pregnant Women in Al- Nasiriya Maternity Hospitals

Abstract

Objective: To assess the Socio-economic and Cultural Factors, Personal Behavior and Psychological
Factors, and Biological Factor. Methods: descriptive analytic study conducted in December 25th, 2019
to 10th March, 2020 at Maternity Hospitals in Al-Nasiriya city . Non-probability sample consists of (180)
pregnant women less than 18 years admitted to maternity hospitals suffering health problems. The study
instrument comprised of factors related to pregnancy ( Socio-economic and Cultural Factors, Personal
Behavior and Psychological Factors, and Biological Factor. Data collection is performed through the use of
the study instrument , after permission were obtained from the pregnant women . Data was collected through
interview techniques. Descriptive and inferential statistical data analysis approaches are used. Result: The
study results shows that (60%) of women’s current age is (17) years old, , (39%) primary school education,
(65%) living in extended families, (37.2%) of women were aged (16) years at their first pregnancy . The
results presents the factors related to pregnancy; the socio-economic and cultural factors that are significant
(lack of knowledge in sexual and reproductive health (91.1%), and biological factors in early body changes
and weight gain (43.9%). Conclusion: The study concludes there are lack of knowledge in sexual and
reproductive health, lack of knowledge for health problems, lack of knowledge regarding use of contraceptive
methods, Not having healthy food practice, stress and feeling of personal failure, and neglect of the special
needs. Recommendation: The study recommends that pregnant teenager to have appropriate antenatal care
as well as social support to avoid medical problems during pregnancy. Educational programs should be
emphasized to pregnant teenage mothers for increasing their knowledge about pregnancy.