School-based Health and Supportive Services for Pregnant and Parenting Teens: Associations with Birth Outcomes of Infants Born to Adolescent Mothers

Abstract

to-severe depressive symptoms. Multivariate analyses revealed that participants who reported depressive symptoms were more likely than those who did not to be African American (versus Hispanic: adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1⁄4 2.17; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1⁄4 1.14-4.16; p 1⁄4 .019), and to report limited contact with the father of the baby (AOR 1⁄4 2.18; 95% CI 1⁄4 1.16-4.13; p 1⁄4 .016), prior verbal abuse (AOR 1⁄4 2.23; 95% CI 1⁄4 1.11-4.47; p 1⁄4 .023), and physical or sexual abuse (AOR 1⁄4 1.84; 95% CI 1⁄4 1.04-3.28; p 1⁄4 .038). Depressed adolescents also experienced higher levels of family criticism (AOR 1⁄4 1.67; 95% CI 1⁄4 1.07-2.60; p 1⁄4 .025) and lower levels of general support (AOR 1⁄4 1.81; 95% CI 1⁄4 1.24-2.64; p 1⁄4 .002). The Hosmer and Lemenshow Goodness of Fit Test 1⁄4 8.370(8), p 1⁄4 .398, indicating an acceptable fit to the data. Conclusions: The results of the study indicated that pregnant adolescents are confronted with many environmental challenges that affect their mental health and well-being. Interventions that incorporate partners and families to address the multiple needs of this priority population are sorely needed. Sources of Support: This project was funded by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Adolescent Pregnancy Programs (OAPP).