Characteristics of pregnant adolescents receiving prenatal care at school-based or hospital-based clinics.

Abstract

This study examines characteristics of adolescent females in prenatal care in a hospital-based teen clinic compared to a school-based teen clinic. Interviews were conducted during 1991-92 among 189 pregnant adolescents, whose mean age was 16.22 years. 48% were African American, 42% were Hispanic, and 2% were Asian or other. 75% of adolescents were single or without a spouse. 30% lived with siblings, 21% lived with their husband, 9% lived with their boyfriend, 10% lived with in-laws, 4% lived with a friend, and the rest lived with their mothers. 48% of adolescents' mothers helped with child care. 27% did not have any help. 57% were enrolled in school, 41% dropped out, and 4% graduated. 63% planned to continue their education. 75% had a parent who served as a mentor. Over 50% lived with someone who smoked cigarettes or drank alcohol. 75% had friends or relatives who smoked. Almost 25% had a sexual partner who sold drugs, and 25% had a sexual partner who had been in trouble with the law. 14% had a partner who used drugs. 62% of adolescents who had smoked before their pregnancy quit smoking. 79% of adolescents who had consumed alcohol before their pregnancy stopped consuming alcohol. Adolescents in both clinics showed no significant differences in family welfare status, initiation of prenatal care, parity, and number of living children. There were differences by clinic type for adolescent ethnic patterns of clinic use, educational status, financial and social support, and family setting. Hispanics and Whites and school dropouts were more likely to use hospital-based care. The school-based adolescents were more likely to be single; to receive support from parents, relatives, and a job; and to have higher exposure to alcohol and substance abuse. Hospital-based adolescents were more likely to live with relatives, not to have help, and to be Spanish speakers. It is recommended that services match the characteristics and needs of clients in each local setting.