Giving birth during adolescence linked to mobility disability | University of Hawaiʻi System News

Study Finds Adolescent Childbirth Correlates with Mobility Disability in Young Adults

A recent study conducted by the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has found a correlation between giving birth as an adolescent and experiencing mobility disability as a young adult. The study, which involved women from 14 countries, highlights the impact of adolescent childbirth on long-term health outcomes.

Mobility Disability and its Impact

Mobility disability refers to difficulties in walking, climbing stairs, and standing for extended periods of time. It can lead to pain, fatigue, and a reduced quality of life. Additionally, it contributes to significant healthcare expenditures. Recognizing the importance of addressing mobility disability, the study emphasizes the need for interventions and policies that promote sustainable development and improve health outcomes.

The Sustainable Development Goals

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of global objectives established by the United Nations to address pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges. The findings of this study align with several SDGs, including:

1. Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being – The study highlights the long-term health effects of adolescent childbirth and emphasizes the need for programs and policies that prevent unwanted pregnancies and support adolescent mothers.
2. Goal 5: Gender Equality – Mobility disability was found to be more prevalent in women, emphasizing the importance of addressing gender disparities in healthcare and promoting equal access to reproductive health services.
3. Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities – The study reveals that mobility disability is higher in lower income countries, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to reduce inequalities in healthcare and improve accessibility for marginalized populations.

Study Methodology and Findings

The study, published in the British Medical Journal Open, analyzed data from population health surveys conducted in 14 low- and middle-income countries. The surveys included information on women’s age at first childbirth, mobility disability, and other health-related factors. The researchers found that adolescent childbirth was consistently associated with mobility disability across all countries. Women who gave birth during adolescence had a higher prevalence of mobility disability throughout their lives compared to those who gave birth as adults.

Implications and Recommendations

The study’s findings have implications for both low- and middle-income countries and high-income countries like the United States. It underscores the importance of comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, as well as the need for programs and policies that support adolescent mothers and prevent unwanted pregnancies. By addressing these issues, societies can work towards achieving the SDGs and promoting sustainable development.

Conclusion

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa study highlights the long-term health effects of adolescent childbirth on mobility disability. It emphasizes the importance of considering the SDGs and implementing interventions that promote good health, gender equality, and reduced inequalities. By addressing these issues, societies can strive towards a more inclusive and sustainable future.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
   • Indicator: The article discusses mobility disability, which can lead to pain and fatigue and negatively affect quality of life. This aligns with the goal of promoting good health and well-being.

2. SDG 5: Gender Equality

   • Target 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed in accordance with the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome documents of their review conferences.
   • Indicator: The article highlights the need to prevent unwanted pregnancy and better support adolescent mothers. This relates to the target of ensuring universal access to sexual and reproductive health.

3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
   • Indicator: The article mentions that mobility disability is higher in lower income countries and often more frequent in women. This highlights the need to address inequalities in disability prevalence.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: hawaii.edu

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