Abstract

RIVAS-PERDOMO, Edgar; ALVAREZ, Ruth  and  MEJIA, Gloria. A cross sectional study of nutrition in a group of pregnant adolescents from Cartagena, Colombia. Rev Colomb Obstet Ginecol [online]. 2005, vol.56, n.4, pp.281-287. ISSN 0034-7434.

Objective: the purpose of this study was to evaluate the nutritional state of a group of pregnant adolescents from Cartagena, Colombia. Study design: 25 pregnant adolescents were chosen from a population of 40 receiving help from a foundation in Cartagena, Colombia. Anthropometric and biochemical variables were measured. Results: low pre-pregnancy maternal weight was prevalent for this age group, means lying below the ^th percentile as reflected in the body mass index. Very low 7 g/dl haemoglobin and 20% haematocrite values were presented and 50% lymphocyte deficit revealed in these patients. The Rosso-Mardones nomogram was normal in just 24% of them. Conclusion: there was inadequate calorie intake in the population being studied, values ranging from 594-2,150 Kcal/day. Nutritional deficiency was thus identified in this particular group of pregnant adolescents.

Keywords : nutrition; body mass index; dietary intake; pregnancy during adolescence.

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