Effect of perceived social support, comorbid psychiatric disorders, and pregnancy complications on adaptation to pregnancy in adolescents: A comparison study from southeastern Turkey

Abstract

Objective: Adolescent pregnancies are categorized as high risk due to their adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes. The aim of our study was to investigate the well-being of pregnant adolescents by assessing pregnancy complications, depression, anxiety, social support, and adaptation to pregnancy. Methods: Pregnant adolescents who presented to the Obstetrics and Gynecology Outpatient Clinic of Hatay Training and Research Hospital between July 2022 and January 2023 were included in the study. Pregnant adults were also included as a control group during the same period. All participants were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale, and Prenatal Self-Evaluation Questionnaire. Results: A total of 61 pregnant adolescents were enrolled in the study and were compared with 116 adults. Our findings indicate that pregnant adolescents tend to exhibit a higher rate of pregnancy complications in comparison with pregnant adults, with complication rates of 14.8 % and 6.1 %, respectively (p = 0.057). The presence of complications had a negative impact on the acceptance of pregnancy in adolescents unlike in adults (p = 0.022). The relationship of pregnant adolescents with their partners was negatively affected by pregnancy complications (p = 0.046). Perceived social support (especially that of a partner) significantly reduced depression and anxiety scores in pregnant adolescents during the prenatal period (p = 0.002) Conclusion: Adolescent pregnancies have negative psychiatric consequences even in traditional societies where child marriage is accepted. Future studies should consider variables that may reduce the impact of sociocultural factors on adolescent pregnancy.