Risk factors for adolescent pregnancy and HIV in Bafoussam, Cameroon

Abstract

Adolescent pregnancies contribute significantly to maternal morbidity and mortality accounting for 23% of the overall burden of disease due to pregnancy and childbirth among women of all ages. Pregnancy in adolescence is also associated with HIV infection and a fourfold risk of maternal mortality among adolescents younger than 16 years of age. HIV positive adolescents, even when on highly active antiretroviral therapy, are less likely than adults to achieve viral suppression and hence have a higher morbidity and carry a higher risk of spreading the infection, compared to adults.