Teenage pregnancy in Colombo Municipal Council area

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To describe the distribution of teenage pregnancy (TP) in Colombo Municipal Council area. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was based on secondary data analysis from the management information system related to maternal and child care for the period of 2004 to 2009. TP is defined as a pregnant female aged <20 years. Permission was obtained from CMC officials. Results: Of the registered pregnancies during 2007, 2008 and 2009, the percentage of TP (TPP) were 10% (1043/10386), 7.9% (805 / 10194) and 7.3 (660/9036) respectively. The average incidence of registered TP over these three years was 8.5%. Of the thirteen antenatal clinics (ANC) in the CMC, TPP was higher in Maligawatte (11.5%) and Bandaranayake Mawatha (11.3%) and lower in Kirullapone (6.1%) and Wasala Road (5.4%) clinics. The percentage deviation of TP from CMC level showed higher levels in CMC districts 2A (23.5%), 2B (8.2%) and lower levels in Districts 4 (-27.1%), 5 (-12.9%), 3 (-11.8%) and 1 (-10.6%). Linear regression of population in districts with TPP was significant (R2=0.91, p = 0.003). The range of population covered by PHM (PCP) varied widely among districts (7017 to 15969). Districts with lower PCP (Districts 2A and 2B) had higher TPP. Conclusions: Despite the reducing trend, TPP in CMC is higher than national and Colombo district levels. TPP and population per PHM area in CMC districts vary widely. Cadre revision of PHM should consider service needs in the districts in addition to population per PHM.