A recent study from West Virginia University (WVU) highlights concerning trends regarding teen pregnancies in the state, revealing that infants born to teenage mothers have lower birth weights and are smaller for their gestational age compared to those born to adult mothers. The research, published in the Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, sheds light on the multifaceted factors contributing to these adverse outcomes.
“We used the most current data, and the findings underscore a significant issue in the state,” said Amna Umer, an associate professor at the WVU School of Medicine’s Department of Pediatrics. “The risk of teen births is complex, and this study emphasizes the role of social, geographical, and educational factors. These insights are essential for policymakers to expand comprehensive, evidence-based education and birth control access for at-risk teens.”
The study, which examined data from 2018 to 2023 provided by Project Watch, a system tracking births across West Virginia hospitals, found that out of 86,447 live births, 6.15% (5,310) were to teenage mothers. This figure is significantly higher than the national average of 1.36% in 2022. Rural areas in the state experienced the highest teen birth rates, with Pendleton County seeing a rate of 14.38%, more than double the state average. Boone, Mercer, and Hardy counties also reported teen birth rates above 10%, while Monongalia County had the lowest at 2.76%.
The research focused on the relationship between teen births and poor infant outcomes, reaffirming previous findings that teenage mothers often face barriers to adequate prenatal care. Rylee Childers, a third-year medical student at WVU and the study’s lead author, noted that teenage mothers, particularly those in rural areas, face significant challenges.
“Teenage mothers are a vulnerable population, and there’s limited research available, especially for those in rural areas,” said Childers. “Our research highlights the unique obstacles they face, which is crucial for healthcare providers who care for these populations.”
Access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas, plays a significant role in these disparities. Childers explained that some rural residents have to travel long distances—up to four hours—to access obstetric care. Additionally, many teenage mothers lack the means of transportation, requiring another adult to take time off work to assist with travel, further complicating access to prenatal care.
The study also underscores the need for healthcare providers to offer effective contraception counseling, healthcare navigation, and confidential care for teenagers, as most teen pregnancies are unintended.
“I hope this study sparks a conversation about rural healthcare access and resources,” Childers said.
In addition to highlighting rural-urban disparities in teen birth rates, the research also found that teen pregnancies were more likely among Medicaid recipients and minority racial groups. Childers and her colleague, Alexandra Richmond, a third-year medical student, were selected to present their findings at the 2024 West Virginia Rural Health Conference.
“Working on this study gave me invaluable insights into research and the healthcare disparities faced by rural populations,” said Childers, who plans to pursue a career as a rural OB/GYN. “It has made me think critically about how I can be a better healthcare provider.”
The study also included contributions from Candice Lefeber, project manager of the Division of Pediatric Neonatal and Newborn Medicine, Dr. Timothy Lefeber, associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Dr. Collin John, associate professor and chief of the Division of General Pediatrics, and Christa Lilly, associate professor in the WVU School of Public Health’s Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics.
Umer continues to lead related studies, including research on the effects of substance use—particularly cannabis and vaping—on the health of expectant teen mothers and their babies.
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