MATERNAL MORTALITY IN ADOLESCENTS IN BRAZIL: PERSPECTIVES AND CHALLENGES FOR PUBLIC HEALTH

This integrative review synthesized evidence on maternal mortality among adolescents in Brazil. The search was conducted in the Virtual Health Library (BVS) and Google Scholar using DeCS descriptors related to adolescent pregnancy, obstetric complications, and maternal mortality. Studies conducted in Brazil, available in full text and with free access, were included, totaling 11 publications in the final sample. The findings converged on the influence of social determinants, such as low educational level, economic vulnerability, territorial inequalities, and barriers to accessing health services, as well as gaps in sexual education and difficulties in the consistent use of contraceptives. In the care context, weaknesses were highlighted in the continuum of care (late capture, insufficient prenatal care, and inefficient referrals) and a predominance of preventable causes, especially hypertensive syndromes, hemorrhages, and infections. Evidence indicates that reducing maternal mortality in adolescence requires sustained intersectoral actions, strengthening Primary Health Care, adolescent-friendly services, effective access to contraception, and qualification of care from prenatal care through the postpartum period, with an explicit focus on racial and territorial equity.