Medical student highlighted at international congress

The pregnancy rate among Brazilian adolescents dropped from 23,6%, in 2001, to 19,3%, in 2011. Data from DATASUS/SINASC were the basis for the Final Paper of the Medicine student at Bahiana, Fabiana Sarpa de Castro Peixoto Sampaio. Guided by Prof. Dr. Milena Bastos Brito, the study was presented at the 13th ESC Congress “Challenges in Sexual and Reproductive Health”, held from 28 to 31 May, in Lisbon, Portugal.

The study observed that the frequency of single mothers, low educational level, less prenatal care, prematurity and low birth weight (LBW) were higher among adolescents than adults studied (10-19 years versus 20 to 34 years), in both periods (both in 2001 and in 2011). Cesarean rates in both groups were higher than recommended by the World Health Organization, even rising in 2011, compared to 2001. After a decade, in both groups, there was an increase in education and adherence to prenatal care, however there was no reduction in neonatal complications.

The work drew the attention of researchers present at the congress due to the high rate of teenage pregnancy in Brazil, a country that represents the seventh largest economy in the world, since, in Portugal, where the event was held, the rate is 3%. This proves the need for a more effective family planning policy for the Brazilian population.