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In this study, we describe the relative contributions of and interactions between individual risk factors associated with ineffective pregnancy prevention among female adolescents in Portugal. Our sample consisted of 856 sexually experienced female adolescents (10-19 years) who did not intend to become pregnant. Of these, 379 were pregnant, and the residual (477) had never been pregnant. We used classification tree analysis to describe the interplay among a set of established sociodemographic, familial, reproductive, and relationship factors as predictors of ineffective pregnancy prevention. The tree model showed good predictive properties. Seven profiles predicted one-half to all the cases of ineffective pregnancy prevention. Ineffective pregnancy prevention was predicted by adolescents' grade level and different combinations of variables, specifically female age, age at the time of first sexual intercourse, religious beliefs, place of residence, maternal pregnancy before age 20, household structure in childhood, and partner's age difference. According to our findings, limiting assessments to the cumulative presence of risk factors may be insufficient to accurately identify adolescents at elevated risk of unwanted pregnancy, as the impact of any given risk factor may vary according to other factors. Our findings may contribute to the development of a risk assessment tool that may support healthcare providers' efforts to provide individualized risk assessment for adolescent patients and, thus, to better support pregnancy prevention.

Several studies have identified explicative factors for adolescents’ sexual risk behaviors and related outcomes such as unintended pregnancy, however, less is known about the mechanisms through which such factors act. Our study explored the role of female education and partner age difference as explicative mechanisms of the association between age at first sexual intercourse (AFSI) and unintended pregnancy while controlling for the role of other contextual factors (i.e., socioeconomic status, ethnicity, religious beliefs, and place of residence) and sexual-related mechanisms (i.e., number of sexual partners) that are known to be associated with adolescent pregnancy. The sample consisted of 613 sexually experienced female adolescents who did not intend to become pregnant: 349 were pregnant for the first time, and 264 had never been pregnant. Mediation and moderation analyses were performed. An earlier AFSI was associated with unintended pregnancy 1–6 years after first sexual intercourse by increasing the adolescents’ likelihood of having less education and being involved with partners older than themselves. There was no significant direct effect of AFSI on pregnancy occurrence after controlling for the mediators. Our findings bring to light nonsexual mechanisms that must be considered in public health interventions aimed at preventing unintended pregnancies among adolescents who engaged in sexual intercourse at early ages. Specific implications are discussed.

© 2018 Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. This is an open access article under the CC-BY-NC-ND license., Introduction: Valvular heart disease (VHD) is increasing worldwide, mostly because of aging. Percutaneous valve intervention is the preferred therapeutic option in high-risk patients. Objective: To characterize the profiles of patients with VHD admitted to the cardiology ward at a tertiary referral center. Methods: On the basis of ICD-9 codes for VHD, the discharge notes of 287 patients hospitalized over a 22-month period were reviewed and analyzed. One hundred characteristics were considered. Results: Median age was 74 (23-93) years, and 145 (51%) were male. The admissions were elective (for valve intervention) in 36%. Heart failure (HF) was the reason for urgent admissions in 29.3%. Multiple comorbidities were observed in 53% of patients. Etiology of VHD was degenerative in 68%, functional in 15.3% and rheumatic (predominantly in women and younger patients) in 8.7%. Aortic valve disease was present in 63% (aortic stenosis in 56%), and was associated with HF (p=0.004), atrial fibrillation (AF) (p=0.01), and left ventricular (LV) dilatation (p=0.003) or hypertrophy (p

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiproliferative activity, the antioxidant potential, and the chemical profile obtained from the whole fruit and from leaves of Garcinia gardneriana, a fruit tree from Brazilian Cerrado. To determine in vitro antiproliferative activity, the following neoplastic cell lines were considered, along with an immortalized nontumor cell line. The antioxidant potential was determined, and the evaluation of antiradical air activity was performed. The levels of vitamin C and carotenoids were determined. The chemical profile was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a diode array detector and a mass spectrometer using electrospray ionization interface. The chloroform fraction of the leaf showed antioxidant activity. The vitamin C content had lower values in fruits and higher in leaves. The content of carotenoids for fruits and leaves was expressive. The ethanolic extract and the hexane and chloroform fractions of fruits were active in all neoplastic lines tested. The leaves showed cytotoxic activity in the hexane fraction in the breast carcinoma line. The analysis of data obtained verified the presence of dimers, monomers, and tetramers of hexoses, polycarboxylic acids, xanthones, flavonoids, biflavonoids, and benzophenones.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical and oxidative stability of dried macaúba (Acrocomia totai) fruit in different air conditions and stored for up to 120 days. The macaúba fruits were collected, sanitized, dried at the temperatures of 40, 50, 60 and 70 °C and stored in raffia bags at room temperature. Drying at higher temperatures resulted in pulps with a darker and orangish color and pulp oil with lower titratable acidity contents and acidity indices. Throughout storage, there was an increase in the acidity index of pulp oil and a reduction in the ascorbic acid and carotenoid contents in the pulp. Drying and storage reduced the ascorbic acid and carotenoid contents of the pulp. Drying at lower temperatures results in pulps with a higher free-radical sequestering ability. Pulp oil quality was compromised by drying and storage time. Newly harvested macaúba fruits can be dried at 40, 50, 60 or 70 °C and stored for up to 120 days without compromising nut oil quality. Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a estabilidade química e oxidativa de frutos de macaúba desidratados em diferentes condições e armazenados por até 120 dias. Os frutos de macaúba “Acrocomia totai” foram coletados, sanitizados, desidratados nas temperaturas de 40, 50, 60 e 70 °C e armazenados em sacos de ráfia em temperatura ambiente. A secagem em temperaturas mais elevadas resultou em polpas com coloração mais escura e alaranjada, porém com menor acidez titulável e índice de acidez do óleo da polpa. Durante o armazenamento houve aumento do índice de acidez do óleo da polpa e redução do teor de ácido ascórbico e carotenoides da polpa dos frutos. A secagem e o tempo de armazenamento dos frutos diminuíram o teor de ácido ascórbico e de carotenoides da polpa. A secagem em temperaturas mais baixas resultou em polpas com maior capacidade de sequestrar radicais livres. A qualidade do óleo da polpa foi comprometida pela secagem e tempo de armazenamento. Frutos de macaúbas recém coletados podem ser desidratados a 40, 50, 60 ou 70 °C e armazenados por até 120 dias, sem comprometer a qualidade do óleo da amêndoa.

© 2021 Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia. Published by Elsevier Espa ̃na, S.L.U. This is an open access article under the CCBY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/), Background: Cognitive impairment, anxiety and depression are common in heart failure (HF) patients and its evolution is not fully understood. Objectives: To assess the cognitive status of HF patients over time, its relation to anxiety and depression, and its prognostic impact. Methods: Prospective, longitudinal, single center study including patients enrolled in a structured program for follow-up after hospital admission for HF decompensation. Cognitive function, anxiety/depression state, HF-related quality of life (QoL) were assessed before discharge and during follow-up (between 6th and 12th month) using Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire, respectively. HF related outcomes were all cause readmissions, HF readmissions and the composite endpoint of all-cause readmissions or death. Results: 43 patients included (67±11.3 years, 69% male); followed-up for 8.2±2.1 months. 25.6% had an abnormal MoCA score that remained stable during follow-up (22.6±4.2 vs. 22.2±5.5; p=NS). MoCA score

Transparent exopolymer particles (TEPs), often massively produced from algal blooms, are considered one of the most difficult foulants in membrane-based desalination processes and contribute significantly to membrane biofouling. This study explored the potential application of a UV-activated peroxymonosulfate (UV/PMS) system for the mineralization of TEP using alginate as a model. The effects of salinity in the form of chloride ions on the removal of organics were investigated, and the reaction mechanisms were postulated. In addition, the scavenging effect of the co-presence of cations and anions with chloride ions was examined. The results indicated that 100% TEP mineralization could be achieved in freshwater when a PMS concentration above 0.25 mM was added. However, the presence of chloride retarded the removal efficiency by approximately 25%, with more severe retardation observed in the presence of chloride with bromide. This was ascribed to the generation of less reactive and more selective halide species. Furthermore, approximately 44% organic mineralization was observed when this system was applied to seawater, implying its feasibility as a pretreatment unit in membrane-based desalination.

Aims Sepsis is a potentially fatal systemic inflammatory response and its underlying pathophysiology is still poorly understood. Studies suggest that obesity, a component of metabolic syndrome (MS), is associated with sepsis survival. Therefore, this study focused on investigating the influence of MS on mortality and cardiovascular dysfunction induced by sublethal cecal ligation and puncture (SL-CLP). Main methods Newborn Swiss mice received monosodium glutamate (MSG) (4 mg kg−1 day−1, s.c.) during the first 5 d of life for MS induction, while the control pups received equimolar saline solution. On the 75th day, SL-CLP was used to induce mild sepsis (M-CLP) in the MS (MS-M-CLP) and control (SAL-M-CLP) mice. The effect of MS on sepsis in mice was assessed by determining the survival rate and quantification of nitric oxide (NO) in the plasma, and associating this data with hematological and cardiovascular parameters. Key findings MS improved the survival of septic mice, preventing impairment to hematological and cardiovascular parameters. In addition, MS attenuated plasmatic NO increase, which is a typical feature of sepsis. Significance These findings provide new insights into the relationship between obesity and mild sepsis in mice, thus revealing an approach in favor of the “obesity paradox.”

Adolescent pregnancy remains a public health concern in both developed and developing countries. Portugal and Brazil represent some of the best examples of this phenomenon. The present study aimed to identify sociodemographic, sexual, and reproductive health-related variables associated with adolescent pregnancy among students from low socioeconomic backgrounds in both countries. The sample included 984 female adolescents, among whom 215 became pregnant. Living with a partner and lack of information about sex and contraception from the family were the best explicative factors for pregnancy occurrence in both countries. Country-specific variables were also identified. Our results may contribute to developing global preventive interventions, addressing the school as an ideal setting for primary intervention and considering culture-specific characteristics of high-risk populations.

Resumo: Esta etnografia objetivou compreender a experiência de profissionais da saúde que trabalham em um Serviço de Atenção Especializada em HIV/aids num contexto de área remota, no Nordeste brasileiro. Para a coleta de dados, utilizaram-se observação participante e entrevista semiestruturada com sete profissionais que compunham a equipe do serviço estudado. Por meio da técnica de codificação temática, obtiveram-se três categorias: “eu não sabia nem o que era”: aspectos do vir a ser profissional especializado em HIV/aids; “está todo mundo lá meio que escondido”: estratégias de enfrentamento à (in)visibilidade do status sorológico; e “a gente vive em cima da corda bamba”: experiências no processo de trabalho. O aspecto mais relevante deste estudo diz respeito à invisibilidade institucional do serviço como reflexo da atual configuração do dispositivo da aids no Brasil. Os resultados assinalaram algumas dificuldades próprias de serviços localizados em áreas remotas, notadamente a inexperiência dos profissionais e seu agravamento pela carência de educação permanente, necessidades infraestruturais, o lugar das ações de saúde em HIV/aids na agenda política local e a centralidade do fazer médico na organização do processo de trabalho. Destacou-se, ainda, a agência dos interlocutores na produção de estratégias de enfrentamento dessas dificuldades. Este estudo acrescenta ao ressaltar a dimensão local como um marcador social da diferença que modelava as experiências dos interlocutores, pois é ali onde as diretrizes e os princípios da política de saúde são performados por profissionais, gestores e usuários compondo materialidades diversas.

Objective: To compare the depressive symptoms and quality of life (QoL) among adolescents (

The effect of jelly processing on the chemical properties, nutrients, antinutritional factors, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity of unripe and ripe canjiqueira fruits was evaluated. The fruits were collected from Pantanal regions at two different ripening stages and were used to produce jellies. The processing affected the chemical characteristics and the content of all nutrients, except for the lipids. Moisture and protein content reduced, whereas the energy value increased. The phytic acid found in fresh fruits was eliminated after processing, and the trypsin inhibitors were reduced, especially in ripe fruits. Lectin activity was not verified in unripe and ripe fruits and jellies. The levels of bioactive compounds were reduced after jelly processing, but their retention was higher in unripe fruits. The final levels of bioactive compounds in the jelly made from unripe fruits were higher than that in the jelly made from ripe fruits, whereas the IC50 value was lower, indicating higher potential to prevent free radicals damages to human body. Jelly processing proved to be a good alternative to the use of canjiqueira fruits due to the reduction in antinutritional factors and the retention of bioactive compounds Avaliou-se o efeito do processamento de geleia nas características químicas, nos nutrientes, fatores antinutricionais, compostos bioativos e atividade antioxidante de frutos de canjiqueira verdes e maduros. Os frutos foram coletados em regiões de Pantanal em dois estádios de maturação e utilizados para produzir geleias. O processamento afetou as características químicas e os níveis dos nutrientes estudados, exceto de lipídeos. A umidade e o conteúdo proteico reduziram, enquanto o valor energético aumentou. O ácido fítico detectado nos frutos frescos foi eliminado após o processamento e os níveis de inibidores trípticos reduziram, especialmente nos frutos maduros. Não foi verificada atividade de lectinas nos frutos e geleias. Os níveis dos compostos bioativos estudados reduziram após o processamento das geleias, sendo sua retenção maior nos frutos verdes. Os níveis de compostos bioativos na geleia de frutos verdes foram maiores que nos frutos frescos maduros, enquanto o valor de IC50 foi menor, indicando maior potencial em prevenir danos à saúde causados pelos radicais livres. A geleia se mostrou uma boa alternativa para utilização dos frutos de canjiqueira, devido à redução dos fatores antinutricionais e à retenção dos compostos bioativos

Objectives The literature has been conceptualizing pregnancy occurrence as a multiphase event. However, the different combinations of decisions and behaviors leading to pregnancy that end in abortion remain unexplored in the literature. The aims of the study were to describe the reproductive and relational trajectories leading to pregnancy in women who decide to abort and to explore the differences in this process according to women’s age [adolescents ( Study design In this cross-sectional study, 426 women [246 adolescents (58.4%), 177 adults (41.6%)] who chose abortion were recruited. Data on reproductive and relational characteristics were collected through a self-report questionnaire at 16 healthcare services that provide abortion. The variables were introduced in trajectories according to the criterion of temporal sequence between them: age at first sexual intercourse, relationship type, pregnancy planning, use of contraception, identification of contraceptive failure, and occurrence of pregnancy. Results Seven trajectories leading to pregnancy were identified. The most frequent trajectory (30.8%) included women who 1) were involved in a long-term romantic relationship, 2) did not plan the pregnancy, 3) were using contraception, and 4) did not identify the contraceptive failure that led to pregnancy. Although this was the most frequent trajectory for both age groups, the remaining trajectories showed a different distribution. Compared to adolescents, adult women’s trajectories more frequently included casual relationships with non-use of contraception, or contraceptive use with no contraceptive failure identification. Conclusion Our study highlights the need to recognize the multiplicity of reproductive and relational trajectories leading to pregnancies that end in abortion and their specificities according to women’s age. These findings have important implications for abortion counselling and for the development of age-appropriate guidelines for preventive interventions, by drawing attention to prioritization of different contexts of intervention according women’s age.

Este estudo pretendeu analisar as associações entre locus de controlo (LC) e adesão terapêutica em indivíduos com condições crónicas de saúde, assim como o papel moderador do grupo etário nestas relações. A amostra incluiu 61 adultos emergentes (18-25 anos) e 60 adultos (26-64 anos) com doença crónica e a receberem tratamentos. Os participantes preencheram um questionário de dados clínicos/sociodemográficos e instrumentos de avaliação do LC e da adesão terapêutica. Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas no LC nem na adesão terapêutica entre grupos etários. Uma maior tendência para um LC externo-acaso associou-se a menores níveis de adesão terapêutica, independentemente do grupo etário, enquanto a associação negativa entre LC interno e adesão e a associação positiva entre LC externo-outros poderosos e adesão foram significativas apenas para os adultos emergentes. Estes resultados sugerem que o LC pode influenciar a adesão aos tratamentos, pelo que deve ser considerado como alvo terapêutico nas intervenções psicossociais. This study was aimed at examining the associations between locus of control (LC) and adherence to treatments in individuals with chronic health conditions, as well as the moderating role of age-group on these associations. The sample included 61 emerging adults (18-25 years) and 60 adults (26-64 years) with a chronic condition and who were receiving treatments. Participants completed a clinical/sociodemographic datasheet and self-report questionnaires assessing LC and adherence to treatments. No significant differences were found in LC orientation or adherence to treatments between age-groups. A greater likelihood of having an external LC by chance was associated with lower adherence independently of age-group, while the negative link between internal LC and adherence and the positive link between external LC by powerful others and adherence were statistically significant only for emerging adults. These results suggest that LC may influence adherence to treatments and, therefore, should be considered as an intervention target in psychosocial interventions.

Article Age at first sexual intercourse (AFSI) is the initial factor related to adolescents’ sexual life that may increase the risk of adolescent pregnancy. We explored the biological, social, cultural, and political predictors of AFSI addressing several gaps that prevent us from generalizing the results of past research to adolescent pregnancy prevention. We also explored the moderating effects of cultural variables on the links between social and political predictors and AFSI. Our sample consisted of 889 Portuguese female adolescents aged 12-19. Earlier age at menarche, non-intact family structure, maternal history of adolescent pregnancy, lower maternal emotional warmth, absence of religious involvement, and living in Portugal’s mainland and in a legal context penalizing abortion predicted earlier AFSI. School attendance predicted earlier AFSI among adolescents of European ethnic origin; adolescents of non-European ethnic origin presented the opposite, but non-significant, pattern. These findings suggest that, in addition to isolated characteristics, factors from different ecological contexts should be considered when planning interventions designed to foster healthy and informed transitions to sexual initiation and prevent the related risks of unwanted outcomes. We discuss implications for future research and practice.

Objectives: The aims of the study were to describe the sociodemographic, sexual, reproductive and relational characteristics of adolescents having an abortion in Portugal and to explore the differences between three adolescent age groups. Methods: We recruited a nationally representative sample of 224 adolescents (

Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar a conservação pós-colheita de guavira (Campomanesia sp.), em função da utilização de 1-MCP e de atmosfera modificada passiva, além do armazenamento à temperatura ambiente e a 11ºC. Os frutos foram colhidos no ponto de maturidade fisiológica, subdivididos em parcelas e submetidos à aplicação de 1-Metilciclopropeno (1-MCP) (700 ηL.L-1/12horas) e à atmosfera modificada passiva por meio do uso de embalagem plástica. Foram realizadas análises de perda de massa, sólidos solúveis, acidez titulável, vitamina C, fenóis totais, atividade antioxidante e aparência geral dos frutos. O uso de 1-MCP não reduziu a perda de massa dos frutos, tanto em armazenamento ambiente quanto refrigerado, o que foi verificado com o uso da atmosfera modificada passiva. O armazenamento refrigerado reduziu a perda de massa dos frutos e prolongou a vida útil destes com manutenção dos teores de vitamina C, fenóis totais e atividade antioxidante. Os teores finais de sólidos solúveis e vitamina C dos frutos não apresentaram interferência significativa em relação aos tratamentos utilizados, e os valores de acidez titulável aumentaram ao final do período de armazenamento, com exceção dos frutos tratados com 1-MCP associado com atmosfera modificada e armazenados em ambiente. O uso de 1-MCP e de atmosfera modificada passiva prolongaram a vida útil dos frutos tanto em armazenamento ambiente, quanto refrigerado, com melhor aparência geral dos frutos, principalmente quando associados.

Introdução: Este estudo pretendeu caracterizar as trajetórias relacionais e reprodutivas conducentes à gravidez na adolescência em Portugal, explorando a existência de especificidades regionais. Material e Métodos: O estudo decorreu entre 2008 e 2013 em 42 serviços de saúde públicos. A amostra, nacionalmente representativa, incluiu 459 grávidas com idades entre os 12 e os 19 anos. Os dados foram obtidos por autorrelato, através de uma ficha de caracterização construída para o efeito. Resultados: Independentemente de terem tido um (59,91%) ou múltiplos parceiros sexuais (40,09%), as adolescentes engravidaram de forma mais frequente numa relação de namoro, utilizando contraceção à data da conceção e tendo identificado a falha contracetiva que esteve na origem da gravidez (39,22%). A nível regional, outras trajetórias surgiram com elevada prevalência, refletindo opções como a decisão de engravidar (Alentejo/Açores), a não utilização de contraceção (Centro/Madeira) ou a sua utilização ineficaz sem que a falha contracetiva fosse identificada (Madeira). As relações de namoro revelaram-se maioritariamente duradouras (> 19 meses), com homens mais velhos (> 4 anos) e fora do sistema de ensino (75,16%); estes resultados foram particularmente expressivos quando a gravidez foi planeada. Discussão: O conhecimento gerado por este estudo reflete a necessidade de investir em abordagens preventivas que atendam às necessidades específicas das jovens de cada região e integrem a população masculina de maior risco. Conclusão: Os nossos resultados podem contribuir para o delineamento de políticas de saúde mais eficazes e para uma atuação multidisciplinar mais informada ao nível da educação sexual e do planeamento familiar nas diferentes regiões do país. Introduction: The current study aimed to describe the relational and reproductive trajectories leading to adolescent pregnancy in Portugal, and to explore whether there were differences in this process according to adolescents’ place of residence. Material and Methods: Data were collected between 2008 and 2013 in 42 public health services using a self-report questionnaire developed by the researchers. The sample consisted of a nationally representative group of pregnant adolescents (n = 459). Results: Regardless of having had one (59.91%) or multiple sexual partners (40.09%), the majority of adolescents became pregnant in a romantic relationship, using contraception at the time of the conception and knowing the contraceptive failure which led to pregnancy (39.22%). In some regions other trajectories were highly prevalent, reflecting options such as planning the pregnancy (Alentejo Region/ Azores Islands), not using contraception (Centro Region/Madeira Islands) or using it incorrectly, without identifying the contraceptive failure (Madeira Islands). On average, romantic relationships were longer than 19 months and adolescents’ partners were older than themselves (> 4 years) and no longer in school (75.16%); these results were particularly significant when the pregnancy was planned. Discussion: The knowledge gained in this study shows that prevention efforts must be targeted according to the adolescents’ needs in each region and should include high-risk male groups. Conclusion: Our results may enable more efficient health policies to prevent adolescent pregnancy in different country regions and support educators and health care providers on sexual education and family planning efforts.

The aims of the current study were to examine the indirect effect of the perceived impact of pregnancy on quality of life (QoL) through the severity of depressive symptoms among a sample of pregnant adolescents, and to explore whether adolescents’ satisfaction with support from their mothers (SM) or partners (SP) was a buffer of this effect. Demographic and pregnancy-related data were collected for 395 pregnant adolescents age 12–19 and were controlled for testing the proposed indirect effect. SM and SP were tested as moderators of the links between perceived impact of pregnancy and depressive symptoms and between depressive symptoms and QoL. A computational tool for path analysis-based moderation and mediation analysis as well as their combination was used to test indirect and interaction effects (PROCESS). A significant indirect effect of the perceived impact of pregnancy on QoL through the severity of depressive symptoms was found (0.51, CI = 0.29/0.78). There was no significant direct effect of the perceived impact of pregnancy on QoL after controlling for the severity of depressive symptoms. SM and SP buffered the indirect effect by weakening the association between a negative perception of the impact of pregnancy and higher severity of depressive symptoms. Identifying adolescents with a negative perception of the impact of pregnancy, improving the quality of their relations with their mothers and partners, and promoting satisfactory support from these figures may be extremely important to prevent and treat depressive symptoms and, in so doing, improve adolescents’ QoL during pregnancy.

Gynecological cancer is the fourth most common form of cancer among women. Over the past few decades, the growing number of survivors has been forced to cope with the consequences of the disease. Of these consequences, the impact of cancer on reproduction has been receiving increasing attention. Research shows that the health care of these women poses challenges other than medical ones. Although the inclusion of psychologists in health care teams has been particularly valued, studies focusing on the psychological implications of the impact of gynecological cancer on reproduction are scarce. Therefore, the first aim of this review is to critically reflect on the psychological implications of infertility, decision-making regarding childbirth, and pregnancy in the context of gynecological cancer. The second purpose of this review is to provide practice guidelines that account for the specificities and demands of these patients. Our findings suggest that gynecological cancer entails specific emotional and decisional challenges regarding reproductive issues, highlighting the importance of specialized psychological interventions with patients and their families. Providing emotional support and education about sexual and reproductive difficulties, supporting decision-making about fertility preservation and childbirth, promoting adjustment to cancer during pregnancy and supporting transition to motherhood are the main areas of intervention suggested. A multidisciplinary treatment approach also seems to be essential, and the role of psychological teams can be particularly important because these professionals may enlighten and encourage skills in other health care providers.

Adolescent pregnancy appears today as an intricate tapestry where different dimensions interact. In our study we examined the associations between individual, sociodemographic, familial, and relational variables and their impact in the occurrence of pregnancy and adolescents’ adjustment to it. Participants were Portuguese pregnant and non-pregnant adolescents (N = 833). Ecological contexts were characterized, and individual and relational adjustment (depressive symptoms and quality of life; perceived quality of relationship with significant others – parents, romantic partner and friends) were evaluated. Differences between the ecologies of adolescents in both groups were identified. Familial and relational variables were significantly associated with both the risk of pregnancy and more difficulties in adjustment. Implications for preventive intervention are discussed.