Social Norms of Pregnancy and Pregnancy Attitudes Among Youth Experiencing Homelessness

Abstract

Building upon literature that considers social network influences on health attitudes and behaviors among youth experiencing homelessness, this study assessed associations regarding social norms of pregnancy, perceived by youth experiencing homelessness (ages 13–25; N = 304) as endorsed by their network members, and youths’ pregnancy attitudes. Multivariate results revealed that youth who perceived their street peers as more objecting to (versus encouraging of) them becoming involved in a pregnancy were 51% less likely to endorse pro-pregnancy attitudes ( OR = 0.49, p < .01). Youth who perceived their serious partners as more objecting to their pregnancy involvement were 74% less likely to endorse pro-pregnancy attitudes ( OR = 0.26, p < .01). Results suggest utility in exploring peer-based and dyadic approaches to prevention efforts with this group.