Increase in births to teenage mothers across the provinces

In 2022, an increase in births to teenage mothers was noted across provinces in Bicol Region. The number of registered teenage births increased to 15.6% in 2022 from 2,673 registered births in 2021. Camarines Sur recorded the most number of births in both years, with a significant increase of 143 births, which represents 16.9% increase. Masbate showed the largest percentage increase at 23.5%, with 83 additional births. Albay and Sorsogon also showed notable increases of 14.5% and 15.9%, respectively. Catanduanes, on the other hand, had the smallest absolute
increase of 16 births, but it still represents 11.3% growth.

Births born to teenage mothers reached 3,089 in 2022

In 2022, a total of 3,089 births to teenage mothers was registered in Bicol Region. Camarines Sur accounts for the largest share of teenage births with 991, representing 32.1% of the total. Catanduanes, on the other hand, has the smallest share at 158, which constitutes only 5.1% of the registered teenage births in the region.

Nine in ten birth deliveries were medically attended

Of the total number of teenage births in Bicol Region, 93.3% birth deliveries were attended by health professionals which may either be a physician, a midwife or a nurse. There were about 6.3.8% facilitated in by traditional birth attendants (hilot/unlicensed midwife). Among the six provinces, Camarines Sur had the highest proportion of medically attended births with 90.2% and the most number of birth deliveries by traditional attendants was also registered in Camarines Sur with 94 (9.5%).

Nine in ten birth delivered in hospitals

About 9 out of 10 teenage birth deliveries (92.9%) were delivered in hospitals. There were about 7.0% delivered at home. Among the six provinces, Catanduanes had the highest proportion of births delivered in hospitals with 97.5%.

Most babies born to 17-year-old mothers

In Bicol Region a significant increase in the number of births as age increases was noted. The numbers increased dramatically from 13 to 17 years old. Notably, from 16 to 17 years old, there’s a substantial increase (885 births), suggesting a critical point of increase in this age group. It was also observed there are 6 births registered to mothers under 13 years old.

Most births occur in October and August

In 2022, most teenage births in Bicol Region occurred in September with 310 (10.0%). It was followed by the months of August with 308 (10.0%), October with 302 (9.8%), and December with 283 (9.2%) registered births, respectively.

In 2022, the overall sex ratio across all provinces was 107.3, indicating that there were approximately 107 males for every 100 females. Among provinces, Catanduanes had the highest sex ratio at 139.4, indicating a significant occurrence of male births relative to females. Camarines Norte and Masbate also showed higher ratios (114.7 and 114.8, respectively). Albay, on the other hand, had a lower ratio of 92.6, indicating more female births compared to male births. Camarines Sur had a balanced sex ratio at 100.2, which is very close to parity.

Among municipalities, Labo, Camarines Norte registered the most number of births to teenage mothers in Bicol Region with 96 births (3.1%) while, Goa, Camarines Sur and Castilla, Sorsogon recorded the least both with 43 births (1.4%). Notably, capital and chartered cities (Naga City, Legazpi City, Tabaco City, Sorsogon City, Masbate City, Ligao City and Iriga City) tend to have higher birth rates, which is indicative of higher population density and varying access to healthcare and education.

DEFINITION OF TERMS AND CONCEPTS

Live Birth is a complete expulsion or extraction from its mother of a product of conception, irrespective of the duration of the pregnancy, which after such separation, breathes or shows any other evidence of life, such as beating of the heart, pulsation of the umbilical cord, or definite movement of voluntary muscles, whether or not the umbilical cord has

Sex Ratio – the number to the males per 100 females in a population.