Infant and Maternal Deaths in Brazil: A 10-Year Analysis of Pregnancy in Adolescence

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiological profile of childhood and maternal-adolescent deaths in Brazil. This is a descriptive, quantitative study, based on data of births and data of infant and maternal deaths of adolescent mothers (aged ten up 19 years old), from the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System, between 2010 and 2019. The analysis of live-births revealed that most of the adolescent mothers were single, attended for seven or more medical appointments and had a medium level of education of 11 years. Generally, the infants were born on term, from natural childbirth and were non-white. The infant-deaths predominated in the early neonatal period. Maternal deaths prevailed between 15 and 19 years-old, and most of it were from indirect obstetric nature. The decay of the infant mortality rate could not be verified. Maternal mortality rate presented a linear behavior on the studied period. Once teenage pregnancy represent a major challenge for formulators and managers of public health policies in Brazil, the adoption of educational actions is essential to prevent this social and medical issue.