Changing patterns of teenage pregnancy: population based study of small areas

摘要: Abstract Objectives: To measure the impact of socioeconomic deprivation on rates teenage pregnancy and extent local variation in Scotland, to examine how both have changed over time. Design: Population study using routine data from hospital records, aggregated for small areas. Subjects: Female teenagers resident Scotland who were treated an NHS either 1981-5 (62 338 teenagers) or 1991-5 (48 514) aged 13-19 at time conception. Main outcome measures: Pregnancy per 1000 age group proportions pregnancies resulting a maternity (live birth stillbirth) 13-15, 16-17, 18-19. Results: From 1980s 1990s increased differentially according levels deprivation, as measured by Carstairs index. Among less than 18 annual rate most deprived areas (from 7.0 12.5 13-15 year olds 67.6 84.6 16-17 olds), but there was no change, average, among affluent (3.8 28.9 olds). 18-19 decreased 60.0 46.3 1000) 112.4 116.0 1000). The amount explained more doubled 1990s. proportion positively associated with level effect remained similar Conclusion: difference between widened. This has implications allocating resources achieve government targets points important social processes behind general increase number Scotland. What is already known this topic Rates are considerably higher United Kingdom other western European countries In be greater although may also reflect differential access family planning services adds rapidly 50% pregnancy, double it