Risk for unintended pregnancy and childbearing among educable mentally handicapped adolescents.

Abstract

A San Diego Adolescent Pregnancy and Parenting Program (SANDAPP) evaluation revealed that low intellectual ability was a serious risk factor for adolescent pregnancy. 20% of pregnant teens in the study were enrolled in special education classes, but only 10% of all students in San Diego school district attend such classes (n = 135; mean age = 16). The mean dropout age for special education teens was 14 vs. age 16 for non special-education teens. Chicago's Children and Adolescent Pregnancy Project (CAPP), an ongoing, school-based intervention program, revealed that approximately (EMH) with IQs of 60 -79. CAPP began as a 3 year (1983-1985) demonstration model with an 18-month follow-up developed by the Arts of Living Institute (ALI) that serves between 900 and 1200 females each year. CAPP was established within ALI in response to increasing numbers of elementary school-age (ESA, ages 11-15) and EMH (ages 11-19) pregnant adolescents. Most of these students were black (91%) or Hispanic (7%) teens from families living in poverty. 1/2 of CAPP participants resided in 5 Chicago communities identified as high risk for poor pregnancy outcomes. During 1983-1985 CAPP served 98 EMH and 228 ESA pregnant females, representing approximately 22-25% of all pregnant teens younger than age 15 who gave birth Chicago. Client outcomes were determined by the indicators of low birth weight (2500 gm/5.5 lbs.), infant mortality, repeat pregnancy, and dropping out of school. There were no significant differences between ESA and EMH clients indicating the appropriateness of a combined program. During the 3 year period only 30% of mothers reported they were not attending school. In contrast, the dropout rate for Chicago high schools is 45% of all students and 70% for pregnant teens. School attendance was 15% lower among EMH students when compared with ESA students at the same grade level.