Research Article
Teenage Pregnancy in South Sudan: Associated Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes among Mothers Delivering at Juba Teaching Hospital
- By Zechariah James Malel, Ezbon Wapary, Justin Julio Tartizion, Adam Badraldin Abdalrahman, Rita Ihima Francisco Hillary, Nyalaib Moses Gatkuoth, Ali Ibrahim Mohammed, Nyawal Peter Chan, Maria Rubba Robert - 04 Jul 2026
- Healthcare Studies, Volume: 2(2026), Issue: 1, Pages: 15 - 23
- https://doi.org/10.58612/hs422
- Received: 02.06.2026; Accepted: 27.06.2026; Published: 04.07.2026
Abstract
South Sudan faces a maternal and newborn health crisis, with one of the world’s highest maternal and neonatal mortality rates. Adolescent pregnancies exacerbate risks of complications, poor birth outcomes, and social disregarding. Low contraceptive use and early pregnancies hinder education and economic opportunities, highlighting the urgent need for evidence-based interventions and sexual health programming. The study investigated teenage pregnancy prevalence and outcomes at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology department of Juba Teaching Hospital. Using a descriptive cross-sectional design, data were collected via questionnaires, interviews, and medical records from 422 mothers aged 15–19. Analyses assessed maternal and neonatal outcomes, considering socio demographic, cultural, and economic factors, using SPSS version 27, with ethical standards strictly observed. The study indicated that 73.9% of participants were older than 19, with a significant majority (96%) being married. Approximately one-third had primary education, and 79 teenage mothers were identified, a smaller proportion compared to teenagers in general (14.1%). Significant associations were found between maternal age and anaemia, as well as age and infection. Teenage mothers who had Caesarean sections faced 2.5 times higher maternal complications than those with vaginal deliveries. Additionally, there was an association between teenagers who attended 5 to 8 antenatal care (ANC) visits to develop complications (3.5 times more likely) compared to those who had 1-4 ANC visits. Teenage mothers account for 26.1% of deliveries at Juba Teaching Hospital. Maternal age, mode of delivery, contraceptive use, and antenatal visits predict maternal complications, which correlate with neonatal respiratory distress and adverse outcomes, highlighting the need for adolescent-targeted interventions to reduce age-related obstetric disparities.