122. Transitions to Parenthood: Maternal Adjustment Sexually Transmitted Infection Risk Among Young African American Mothers

Abstract

Purpose: Studies show high rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among adolescent mothers. Although the transition to parenthood may be particularly difficult for adolescents, few studies have examined maternal adjustment in relation to STI risk among young mothers. The purpose of this study was to examine associations between parenting self-efficacy and parenting satisfaction and STI risk among young African American mothers. Methods: The analytic sample included 140 mothers participating in an HIV/STI prevention trial for young African American women (18-24 years) who use alcohol. Prior to randomization, participants provided baseline data via audio computer-assisted self-interviews and vaginal swab specimens assayed for Trichomonas vaginalis, Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae using DNA amplification. Parenting self-efficacy was measured using a 7-item scale, with higher scores indicating greater self-efficacy. Parenting satisfaction was measured using a 6-item scale, with higher scores indicating greater satisfaction. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic models examined associations between parenting self-efficacy and parenting satisfaction and sexual risk behavior in the past 3months (had multiple sexual partners; traded sex drugs, money, food, or a place to stay; drank alcohol prior to sex) and STI prevalence. Adjusted models controlled for mother’s age at first child’s birth ( 17 years, 18-19 years, 20-24 years), age of her youngest child (years), and depressive symptomology, as measured by the 8-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Results: Themajority of the sample, 55% (n1⁄477), reported drinking alcohol 2-4 timespermonth or less. Age atfirst child’s birthwas<18 for 32% (n1⁄445) and 18-19 for 39% (n1⁄455). Age of the youngest child was<1 year for 31% (n1⁄444) and 1-2 years for 40% (n1⁄457). Each unit increase in parenting satisfaction score was associated with a significantly decreased likelihood of being infectedwith T. vaginalis (AOR: 0.94, 95% CI:0.88, 1.00, p1⁄40.041). No other measures of maternal adjustment were significantly associated with the outcomes examined. Conclusions: Greater parenting satisfaction was associated with reduced T. vaginalis prevalence among young African American mothers. Additional research on factors associated with parenting satisfaction and the nature of relationships between parenting satisfaction and STI risk among adolescent and young adult mothers may be useful for improving the health of young mothers and their families. Sources of Support: This work was supported by the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) grant number 5R01AA018096 to the senior author. Andrea Swartzendruber was supported by NIAAA grant number F32 AA022058. Jessica M. Sales was supported by the National Institute of Mental Health grant number K01 MH085506.