Characteristics associated with loss to post‐partum follow‐up among adolescent mothers

Aim To identify the rate and associated factors of loss to post‐partum follow‐up among adolescent mothers. Methods A matched case–control study was conducted among Thai adolescents who gave birth between January 2011 and December 2016 and were scheduled for a 6‐week post‐partum visit. Cases (n = 568) included mothers who did not return for follow‐up whereas controls (n = 568) were mothers who attended a post‐partum visit. Cases were matched with controls according to age group and date of delivery. Results During the study period, 2335 Thai adolescent mothers were scheduled for a post‐partum visit. Of these, 568 mothers (24.3%) did not return for post‐partum care. The strongest predictor for loss to post‐partum follow‐up was inadequate number of antenatal visits (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.51–3.04), followed by being single/separated/divorced (aOR 1.58, 95% CI 1.08–2.29) and lower level of education (aOR 1.57, 95% CI 1.14–2.17). Being a student was a positive factor associated with post‐partum visit attendance (aOR 0.57, 95% CI 0.40–0.80). Conclusion Approximately one quarter of adolescent mothers did not attend a post‐partum visit. Three independent characteristics associated with loss to post‐partum follow‐up included inadequate number of antenatal visits, being single/separated/divorced and lower level of education. Being a student was positively associated with post‐partum visit attendance. Intensive intervention programs including using technology to remind post‐partum women, home visits and counseling during the immediate post‐partum period should be implemented to increase the post‐partum attendance rate among adolescent mothers.