A new study conducted by maternal and child health researchers at West Virginia University (WVU) has revealed that infants born to teenage mothers in the Mountain State tend to have lower birth weights and are smaller for their gestational age compared to those born to adult mothers. This finding is particularly significant given that the state’s teen birth rate continues to exceed the national average.
The research, based on data collected from 2018 to 2023 by Project Watch— a system that tracks births across West Virginia hospitals—highlights the need for expanded efforts in teen pregnancy prevention and birth control access. “The risk of teen birth is multifactorial. This study underscores the role of social, geographical, and educational factors, offering valuable insights for policymakers,” said Amna Umer, associate professor at the WVU School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics.
The study, which analyzed 86,447 live births, found that 5,310 (6.15%) were to teenage mothers, a stark contrast to the national teen birth rate of 1.36% in 2022. Rural counties in West Virginia reported the highest rates of teen births, with Pendleton County reaching a rate of 14.38%, more than double the state’s overall figure. Other counties such as Boone, Mercer, and Hardy also had rates over 10%, while Monongalia County recorded the lowest rate at 2.76%.
In addition to the increased likelihood of lower birth weights, the study reaffirmed earlier findings that teenage mothers are less likely to receive adequate prenatal care. “Teenage mothers are a vulnerable population, and there is limited research on those living in rural areas,” said Rylee Childers, a third-year medical student and the study’s corresponding author. “Our research highlights the unique challenges faced by teenage moms, which is critical not only for rural communities but also for healthcare providers working with these populations.”
Geographic barriers, such as limited access to healthcare and lack of transportation, often hinder teens from attending regular prenatal appointments. “Many individuals in rural areas must travel hours to see an obstetrician, and teenage moms often lack the ability to drive themselves,” Childers explained. “This forces another adult to take time off work, which may not always be feasible, especially for families facing economic hardship.”
The study also touches on the fact that most teen pregnancies are unintended, underscoring the importance of healthcare providers in offering contraception counseling, navigating healthcare options, and providing confidential care. Childers hopes the study sparks a broader conversation about rural healthcare access and resource allocation.
In addition to the rural-urban disparities in teen birth rates, the research found that teenage pregnancies were more common among those on Medicaid and minority racial groups. The study, published in the Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, was presented by Childers and colleague Alexandra Richmond at the 2024 West Virginia Rural Health Conference.
“Participating in this study has opened my eyes to the challenges of rural healthcare and how healthcare disparities affect the population,” said Childers, who plans to pursue a career as a rural OB/GYN physician. “It’s made me reflect on how I can be a better provider for my future patients.”
The study was also contributed to by Candice Lefeber, project manager in the Division of Pediatric Neonatal and Newborn Medicine; Dr. Timothy Lefeber, associate professor in the School of Medicine’s Department of Pediatrics; Dr. Collin John, associate professor and chief of General Pediatrics; and Dr. Christa Lilly, associate professor in the WVU School of Public Health.
Umer is continuing related research focused on substance use, particularly cannabis and vaping, among expectant teen mothers, to evaluate the impacts on both their health and that of their children.
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