Bangladesh continues to struggle with high infant mortality, with 38 deaths per 1,000 live births. Adolescent pregnancy is a known global health concern, but its impact on infant mortality in Bangladesh remains underexplored. This study examines the association between adolescent pregnancy and infant mortality using data from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2017-18.
Methods of the Study
This cross-sectional study analyzed 8,759 infants born to women aged 15-49 years. Adolescent pregnancies were categorized into four groups: <16, 16-17, 18-19, and >19 years. Covariates included sociodemographic factors (mother’s age, father’s occupation, religion), contextual factors (place of delivery, media access), and healthcare utilization (antenatal/postnatal care). Bivariate logistic regression assessed the association between adolescent pregnancy and infant mortality, adjusting for these covariates.
Maternal Age and Infant Mortality
The mean maternal age at first birth was 18.53 years. Among 8,759 infants, 328 (3.74%) died before 12 months. Infants born to mothers <16 years had higher mortality odds (AOR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.05-2.01), even after adjusting for sociodemographic and contextual factors (AOR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.01-1.96). However, after accounting for healthcare utilization, this association was no longer significant (AOR: 1.06, 95% CI: 0.56-1.99).
Decline in Child Mortality in The State; Achieves SDG Target for Neonatal Mortality
The Role of Healthcare Utilization in Reducing Infant Mortality
Delaying childbirth to adulthood may reduce infant mortality, but adolescent pregnancy alone does not significantly increase risk when healthcare utilization is considered. Strengthening antenatal and postnatal care services is critical for reducing infant mortality. Future cohort studies are needed to further explore the link between maternal age and infant health outcomes.
Source: This article is based on a report published by Frontiers.