WHO guidelines on preventing early pregnancy and poor reproductive outcomes among adolescents in developing countries

J Adolesc Health. 2013 May;52(5):517-22. doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2013.03.002.

Abstract

Adolescent pregnancy and its consequences represent a major public health concern in many low-middle income countries of the world. The World Health Organization has recently developed evidence-based guidelines addressing six areas: preventing early marriage; preventing early pregnancy through sexuality education, increasing education opportunities and economic and social support programs; increasing the use of contraception; reducing coerced sex; preventing unsafe abortion; and increasing the use of prenatal care childbirth and postpartum care. In each of these areas, World Health Organization recommends directions for future research. The summary concludes with a brief look at global and regional initiatives that provide a window of opportunity for stepping up action in this important area.

Publication types

  • Practice Guideline
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Induced / adverse effects
  • Adolescent
  • Coercion
  • Contraceptive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Developing Countries*
  • Female
  • Health Education
  • Humans
  • Marriage
  • Maternal Mortality
  • Postnatal Care
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Pregnancy in Adolescence / prevention & control*
  • Pregnancy in Adolescence / statistics & numerical data*
  • Prenatal Care
  • Social Support
  • World Health Organization

Substances

  • Contraceptive Agents