Teenage Parents Research Articles

Policies Governing and Programs Available to Teen Parents in the Juvenile Justice System

Because teen parents are at risk of adversities, they have been the focus of policy and support efforts. These efforts have traditionally focused on the general population, though. We know little about the programs available to support, and the policies that govern, teen parents in the JJS. Using publicly available information on all 50 state-wide JJS websites in the United States, the goal of this study is to identify these policies and programs. The results indicate that the most common policies were security- and healthcare-related policies, and the most common programs were parenting courses, although there were state-level differences.

Knowledge, attitude and practice among parents of children and teenagers towards myopia prevention and control during the COVID-19 epidemic

ObjectivesThis cross-sectional study aimed to assess parents’ knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) towards myopia amidst increased children’s online course participation during the COVID-19 pandemic, potentially impacting visual health.DesignThe study adopted...

PARENTAL INTERPERSONAL SKILLS AND ADOLESCENT ATTITUDES TOWARD EARLY MARRIAGE

Introduction: Early marriage is one of the cases with the highest incidence in Indonesia involving teenagers under the age of 19 years. Based on religious court records, 1711 cases were recorded, or an increase of 35% compared to the previous year. Many factors cause this, namely from oneself and environmental factors. Adequate guidance in educating children is an important role that can be carried out effectively by parents. Aims: This research aims to determine the influence of interpersonal skills and parental knowledge on teenagers' attitudes toward early marriage. Method: This research method is descriptive analytical research with a cross-sectional approach. This research was attended by 60 respondents, consisting of 30 teenage respondents and 30 respondents who were parents of teenagers. Data collection was carried out by filling out a questionnaire which was analyzed using the Chi-square test. Results: The results of the study show that parents' interpersonal skills in responding to early marriage are in the sufficient category, there is an influence of parents' interpersonal skills in responding to early marriage on teenagers' attitudes (p=0.001), there is an influence of parents' latest education on parents' level of knowledge about early-age marriage. (p=0.001). Conclusion: The research conclusion shows that there is an influence of interpersonal skills and parental knowledge on teenagers' attitudes in responding to early marriage, and the parents' latest education has an influence in responding to early marriage.

SELF-DISCLOSURE OF ADOLESCENTS AS THE MOST INFLUENTIAL FACTOR IN THE PROVISION OF REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH INFORMATION TO ADOLESCENTS

Introduction: Adolescents with all their characteristics make them are vulnerable to reproductive health problems. Parents have the responsibility to provide reproductive health information to adolescents, but 52.67% of parents have not conveyed it. Aims: This study aimed to analyze the factors that most influence parent-to-adolescent communication regarding reproductive health. Methods: This type of research uses cross-sectional, which was conducted offline in 2022 in Jrakah Boyolali Village. The population of this study was 422 parents of teenagers, and the sample was 230 parents with adolescents aged 11-19 years. The sampling technique used was proportional random sampling. Data collection was carried out using validated instruments. The independent variables were communication patterns, joint activities, and adolescents’ self-disclosure, with parents' behavior in providing reproductive health information as the dependent variable. Data analysis was carried out with multiple logistic regression tests, with a significance level of 5%. Results: The study found that adolescent self-disclosure to their parents was the most influential factor in the provision of reproductive health information by parents to their adolescent children (OR=2.537 (95% CI OR:1.423-4.522). Parents with teenagers who are less open about telling their parents can increase the risk 2.537 times of not communicating reproductive health to teenagers. Adolescents' openness to their parents can increase the closeness between parents and adolescents, making it more possible to discuss reproductive health between the two. Conclusion: Parents need to learn communication techniques with teenagers so that teenagers are not embarrassed to discuss things.

Setting a research agenda for examining early risk for elevated cognitive disengagement syndrome symptoms using data from the ABCD cohort.

Little research has examined early life risk for symptoms of cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS) despite a well-established literature regarding co-occurring outcomes (e.g., attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder). The current study estimated bivariate associations between early life risk factors and CDS in a large and representative sample of U.S. children. We conducted secondary analyses of baseline data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study (N = 8,096 children, 9-10 years old). Birthing parents reported early life risk factors on a developmental history questionnaire, including parental, prenatal, delivery and birth, and developmental milestone information. They also completed the Child Behavior Checklist, which includes a CDS subscale that was dichotomized to estimate the odds of elevated CDS symptoms (i.e., T-score > 70) in children related to risk indices. We observed significantly elevated odds of CDS related to parental risk factors (i.e., unplanned pregnancy, pregnancy awareness after 6 weeks, teenage parenthood), birthing parent illnesses in pregnancy (i.e., severe nausea, proteinuria, pre-eclampsia/toxemia, severe anemia, urinary tract infection), pregnancy complications (i.e., bleeding), prenatal substance exposures (i.e., prescription medication, tobacco, illicit drugs), delivery and birth risk factors (i.e., child blue at delivery, child not breathing, jaundice, incubation after delivery), and late motor and speech milestones in children. Several early-life risk factors were associated with elevated odds of CDS at ages 9-10 years; study design prevents the determination of causality. Further investigation is warranted regarding early life origins of CDS with priority given to risk indices that have upstream commonalities (i.e., that restrict fetal growth, nutrients, and oxygen).

Teens with Type 1 Diabetes and Executive Function Challenges Who Use Insulin Pumps Have Lower A1C Without Increased Risk of Diabetic Ketoacidosis or Severe Hypoglycemia.

Objective: People with type 1 diabetes and executive function (EF) challenges (e.g., organization) often struggle with self-care. This study evaluated risks/benefits of insulin pumps in teens with EF challenges. Research Design/Methods: Parents of teens with type 1 diabetes completed parent-reported Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function. Severe hypoglycemia (SH) and diabetic ketoacidosis/hyperglycemia (DKA) events, collected prospectively, provided incidence rates (IR). A1c differences by pump use were compared by the presence/absence of EF challenges (Global Executive Composite score, EF indices). Adjusted multivariable models predicted A1c. Differences in SH and DKA IRs were evaluated by pump use and EF status, employing Poisson regressions. Results: In teens with EF challenges, pump-users versus nonusers had lower A1c (8.5% vs. 9.2%, P = 0.009). There were no A1c differences by pump use/nonuse in those without EF challenges. In multivariable analysis, A1c differences remained for those with EF challenges by one index; A1c was 0.65% lower in pump-users versus nonusers (P = 0.028). SH incidence did not differ by pump use or EF status. DKA incidence was lower in pump-users than nonusers (4.9 vs. 14.0 episodes/100-person-years, P = 0.012) and lower in teens without than with EF challenges (4.9 vs. 14.0/100-person-years, P = 0.012). In those without EF challenges, pump-users had lower DKA IR than nonpump-users (2.0 vs. 13.7/100-person-years, P = 0.003). In those with EF challenges, DKA IRs did not differ by pump use. Conclusions: Despite occasional prescriber hesitancy, teens with type 1 diabetes and EF challenges using insulin pumps had lower A1c without increased DKA risk compared with nonpump-users.

The survey of vaccination hesitancy among the residents in Jinan

Introduction Vaccination is an important way to prevent disease, but vaccine hesitancy will impact vaccine coverage and indirectly affect health. This study aims to survey the status of vaccine hesitancy among adults in Jinan. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using the vaccine hesitancy scale among the parents of children and teenagers at hospitals in Jinan, China. We described the attitude of the parents to the vaccination through the dimensions of confidence (items: L1-L7) and the risk (items:L8-L10).The participants will be regarded as lacking confidence if the score is over 21 among the items (L1-L7), and participants will consider the vaccination to be a “Risk” if the score is over 9 among the items (L8-L10). Using the chi-square test to analyse the differences of attitude between different participants. Results 202 individuals were enrolled, and most respondents (88.70%) agreed that vaccines are important for their child’s health. 33.50% agreed and strongly agreed that new vaccines carried more risks than older vaccines. The average score for the lack of confidence in the vaccination was 11±0.25. The average score for risk for vaccination was 9.92±0.04. Participants aged below 30 years, females, those with lower education, and those without medical workers in the family were more concerned about the risks of vaccines. Conclusions Participants were confident about the vaccination. But they were also concerned about the risks of vaccines. A lack of vaccine knowledge may led the participants to have hesitancy about vaccinations.

Adverse Childhood Experiences: Increased Likelihood Of Socioeconomic Disadvantages For Young Adults.

More than 60percent of US adults report that they had adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). For this study of 930,000 children born during the period 1999-2003, we used linked administrative, survey, and criminal justice data to measure the association between ACEs (parental death; separation; incarceration; or criminal charge for intimate partner violence, substance use disorder, or child sexual or nonsexual abuse) and socioeconomic disadvantages at ages18-22 during 2017-21. After childhood socioeconomic status was controlled for, young adults with ACEs were more likely to have been charged with felonies, have become teenage parents, live in a household with poverty or housing assistance, be enrolled in Medicaid, and be employed, and were less likely to be enrolled in an educational institution. These outcomes were most likely among young adults with multiple ACEs or lower childhood socioeconomic status. Using new linked data opportunities, this study provides large-scale, person-level longitudinal evidence of the long-lasting and substantial societal cost of ACEs.

Prevalence of Teenage Parenthood and Subsequent Burden on Elderly Family Members in Bungoma North Sub-County, Kenya

The prevalence of teenage parenthood presents significant social and economic challenges, especially in developing countries, where it often leads to increased dependency on elderly family members. This paper assessed the prevalence of teenage parenthood and examined the resulting dependency burden on elderly caregivers in Bungoma North Sub-County. Hagel’s Theory of Responsibility and Theory of Reasoned Action were used to underpin the study. A cross-sectional study design was used, involving a sample of 143 teenage mothers and pregnant teenagers from 10 schools. Stratified random sampling involved dividing the population into subgroups of ten schools and then randomly selecting participants from each subgroup. This ensured that the sample is representative of the population across the different subgroups. The sample included girls who were either pregnant or had recently given birth. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, focusing on socio-demographic characteristics, caregiving arrangements, and family dynamics. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were employed to interpret the data. The findings revealed that elderly family members, particularly those aged 56 and above, bear the brunt of caregiving responsibilities, with 27% of caregivers aged 66 or older. A high prevalence of teenage pregnancy in Bungoma North Sub County, Kenya, leads to significant reliance on elderly family members for childcare, placing strain on their physical, emotional, and financial well-being. This burden is further exacerbated by limited support from other family members and inadequate access to external resources, leaving elderly caregivers feeling socially isolated and financially strained. The study highlights the need for targeted support systems, including social services, caregiver training, and psychological support, to ease the caregiving burden. Additionally, enhanced programs addressing teenage pregnancy prevention and education are crucial to reducing the long-term dependency burden on elderly caregivers and keeping teenage girls in school.

Challenges and Adverse Outcomes of Teenage Parenting: A Narrative Review

Challenges and Adverse Outcomes of Teenage Parenting: A Narrative Review

The effect of automated insulin delivery system use on diabetes distress in people with type 1 diabetes and their caregivers: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Diabetes distress (DD) is prevalent among people with diabetes. While automated insulin delivery systems (AIDs) improve glycaemic control, their impact on DD is unclear. We aimed to investigate the effect of AIDs on DD in people with diabetes and their caregivers. We focused on people with diabetes using AIDs versus other insulin delivery systems, with DD as the outcome. We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), before-after studies (BAS) and observational studies until 4 April 2024. After screening, 40 studies were included in the systematic review, comprising 5426 participants (3210 adults, 1131 paediatric and 1085 caregivers). Twenty-seven studies were selected for the meta-analysis (focusing solely on type 1 diabetes). We used random effects models by population and study design. We also conducted a subgroup analysis by age group (children vs. teenagers). In adults, eight BAS and five RCTs indicated a significant small DD reduction post-AID initiation (standardised mean difference [95% confidence intervals] -0.32 [95% CI: -0.40, -0.24] and [-0.19 (-0.27, -0.11)]). No significant changes were observed in the paediatric population. In caregivers, eleven BAS and five RCTs indicated a significant moderate DD reduction (-0.48 [95% CI: -0.78, -0.18] and (-0.22 [-0.38, -0.06])). Subgroup analysis revealed an increased benefit in parents of children compared to parents of teenagers. This work suggests that AIDs is associated with a DD reduction in adults and caregivers but not in children/teenagers with type 1 diabetes. More longitudinal studies and better systematic DD assessments are needed.

Diversity in Social Support Among Young Justice Involved Parents

Adolescence is marked by incredible change that impacts the life-course. One change that may have profound impacts is teen parenthood. Having access to emotional support may act as a protective factor that reduces negative outcomes, yet little is known about teen parents’ access to such support. Accordingly, using data from the Pathways to Desistance Study, the current study examines how becoming a teen parent changes the number of supportive adults this group had access to (diversity of support). Further, the current study examines the extent to which gender impacts the ability for justice involved youth to leverage support. Results indicate that justice system involved teen parents have access to fewer supportive persons after they become parents. The same is true for residential parents—those who lived with their child—and young mothers.

Pathway Plans – telling my story?

Pathway planning concerns the transition of young people leaving care to independent living and adulthood. This article is based on doctoral research (Stewart, 2009) into the pathway planning process introduced under the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 (OPSI, 2000). The research concentrated on the key components of education, training and employment. In particular, it investigated whether such planning could improve the life chances of female care leavers who are teenage parents. Central to the process are the young person’s aspirations and sense of identity, both fundamental to career planning. This article reflects on two key aspects that emerged from the investigations and are pertinent to the practice of career guidance: the value of adopting a narrative framework as developed by Leiblich et al. (1998) when conducting interviews with the young people; and how participation in the pathway planning process supported the young people in exploring, reflecting and re-defining their sense of self.

Are the Kids Alright? An Examination of Antisocial Behavior During Emerging Adulthood Among Justice-Involved Teen Parents

Research has highlighted the role that childbearing and parenting can have in reducing involvement in antisocial behavior among adults. While some studies have similarly examined the short-term implications of parenthood for teen parents, very little research has considered the role that parenthood might have as they enter emerging adulthood. Accordingly, using data from the Pathways to Desistance study, the current study examines whether, among justice system involved young people, adolescent parenthood is associated with offending, incarceration, and drug dependency during emerging adulthood. Results indicate that adolescent parents, particularly teen fathers, are more likely to have continued justice system involvement during emerging adulthood. The opposite is true, however, for teen parents who live with their children (residential parents).

Effects of Intimate Partner Violence Prevention Programming on Social Support, Coparenting, and Parenting Among Teen Parents: A Pilot Study

Understanding mechanisms and secondary outcomes of intimate partner violence (IPV) prevention programs for teen parents can help to improve relationships. This study used data from a randomized pilot trial of the Safe Dates for Teen Mothers IPV prevention program compared to the original Safe Dates program with 32 teen mothers recruited from four community-based sites. We examined effect sizes of cross-sectional associations between IPV, social support, coparenting, and parenting, and of differences between the adapted program and the original on social support, coparenting, and parenting over 6 months. Effect sizes of associations were medium on average. Effect sizes on social support, coparenting, and parenting favored the adapted program over the original program and were medium to large. IPV prevention programs adapted for teen parents have the potential to support positive dynamics in their social relationships. These preliminary estimates can inform the design of larger research and intervention studies.

Classroom Toileting: A Collaborative Effort.

Developmental norms suggest that children are ready for toilet training between the ages of 18 and 24 months; however, many children now enter school without this self-care skill. Many factors can contribute to delayed toilet training including child readiness, developmental disabilities, poverty, lower parental education levels, and higher rates of single and teen-aged parents who may lack parenting skills including toilet training. Most children enroll in a kindergarten program at 5 years of age. Because children will be accepted to kindergarten regardless of toilet training status, schools need to be ready for children who lack this self-care skill. Although school staff are willing to support these children, the main purpose of school is education. The school nurse can take an active role in classroom toileting programs by collaborating with school administrators, teachers, staff, and parents to promote successful toilet training and fostering a healthy learning environment.

Рухова активність як компонент здорового способу життя українських підлітків 11-14 років

In the modern period in Ukraine, there is a trend of deterioration in the health of adolescent children aged 11-14 years. In this age period, the basic values of forming a healthy lifestyle are laid. It is necessary to form basic social attitudes about a healthy lifestyle among teenagers. The development of motor skills is closely related to health and actively affects the life of children. A healthy lifestyle is based on the readiness and motivation of teenagers for physical self-improvement. Health conservation is an effective form of both preserving and strengthening the health of Ukrainian teenagers aged 11-14 in the conditions of martial law in Ukraine. The aim of the research is to carry out a systematic analysis of scientific sources in which various aspects of the motor activity of Ukrainian adolescents aged 11-14 years are investigated as a component of a healthy lifestyle. Motor activity involves a system of active motor actions of teenagers, aimed at creating and forming vital motor skills and skills that determine the preservation and strengthening of health. Solving the problem of motor activity as a component of a healthy lifestyle of Ukrainian teenagers aged 11-14 years by means of physical education and development of motor actions is possible by searching for the latest effective methods. In order to achieve a high level of motor activity of teenage children, pediatricians, physical education teachers, social specialists, parents of teenagers need to have knowledge in the field of medicine, biology, psychology, pedagogy and methods of physical education, organization and conducting of mass health and sports events. And for teenagers, it is necessary to have practical skills and abilities, as well as the methodology and technique of physical exercises. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

The MINT Program: A Mixed-Method Approach to Identifying Nature-Based Resources to Promote Adolescent Parent Social and Psychological Well-Being.

Adolescent parents are at an increased risk for loneliness and mental health challenges compared to childless peers. Nature-based interventions are shown to promote social connectedness. To identify elements of a nature-based intervention to reduce loneliness and foster nature connection among pregnant and parenting adolescents. Sequential exploratory mixed methods. In 2020 and 2021, we piloted the 8-week MINT program at a school for pregnant and parenting teens. Our qualitative approach (n = 17) included online and in-person group meetings with nature-based educational content, discussion, park excursions, mindfulness activities, journaling and nature photography. Subsequently, we recruited 131 young mothers at a children's hospital for a cross-sectional survey based on qualitative school findings. Qualitative results from the school-based intervention showed a preference for meditative and contemplative activities and for spending time in nature with extended family. Participants typically accessed nature close to home. Our clinic-based teen parent survey illustrated that participants' access to nature were most limited by lack of time (25% of responses), company (18%) and energy (28%). While participants showed a close nature connection (mean NR-6 score = 3.9 (SD = 0.84)), they also showed moderate levels of loneliness (mean UCLA Loneliness score = 4.78 (SD = 1.60)). Walking, hiking and/or running were the most preferred nature activity. These findings provide key details to define nature-based activities to address loneliness and psychological well-being among teen mothers. Nature-based health interventions can address loneliness and nature disconnection by building community resilience, improving provider and patient well-being and motivating environmental stewardship. We identify key features of a nature-based intervention for adolescent mothers. These findings support teen mothers in the US and abroad and may serve as a foundation for using nature-based solutions for vulnerable mothers and for adolescents facing loneliness and mental health challenges. No patient or public contribution.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices towards Influenza Vaccine among Guangzhou Residents: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Influenza vaccination is an important prevention strategy for flu illness. However, the vaccination rate is still low in Guangzhou, China. This study aimed to understand the status of knowledge, the attitude towards the vaccines' reliability and safety, and other aspects associated with the willingness and practice of influenza vaccines in the pediatric and adult populations of Guangzhou city. This study was performed in eleven districts in Guangzhou between November 2020 and December 2020, including the Yuexiu, Liwan, Haizhu, Tianhe, Baiyun, Panyu, Huadu, Nansha, Huangpu, Zengcheng, and Conghua districts. The parents of children and teenagers under the age of eighteen in Guangzhou were surveyed using self-administered questionnaires in four domains: demographic information, the knowledge status and perception of influenza vaccination, the willingness and attitude towards influenza vaccination, and previous vaccine uptake. A multivariable logistic regression was employed to assess the possible determinants of willingness and practice to receive influenza vaccination, calculating the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CI). A two-sided p-value < 0.05 was deemed statistically significant. A total of 13,213 valid questionnaires were collected (validity rate 98.8%). Out of these participants, 42.62% (5631 participants) expressed a willingness to receive the influenza vaccine, while 55.40% (7320 participants) reported that their children and teenagers had been vaccinated against the flu. Furthermore, 40.44% of the respondents (5343 participants) or other family members had received the influenza vaccine. Logistic regression indicated that factors such as being female (OR = 1.395, 95% CI: 1.278-1.522), being involved in the work of COVID-19 prevention and control (1.551, 1.396-1.724), affirming the preventive effects of vaccination (2.474, 2.106-2.906), knowing about annual influenza vaccination (2.756, 2.540-2.992), and understanding prioritized influenza vaccination populations (1.464, 1.343-1.596) were all positively associated with vaccination willingness. Conversely, middle-aged persons (aged 40-49 years old) (0.726, 0.617-0.853), higher educational levels (undergraduate versus middle school) (0.858, 0.768-0.959), heightened concerns about vaccine safety (considering side effects are obvious versus considering it is safe and basically no side effects) (0.284, 0.188-0.429) and lower knowledge scores (0.813, 0.701-0.942) were adversely linked with vaccination willingness. These findings provide essential insights for altering the perception of influence and influenza vaccination, as well as enhancing health communication strategies to improve influenza vaccine uptake among Guangzhou residents.

Experiences of parents of teenagers with life-threatening food allergies: a qualitative systematic review protocol.

The objective of this review is to synthesize the experiences of parents of teenagers with life-threatening food allergies. Life-threatening food allergies are increasing globally, with a significant effect on families, particularly parents. The teenage years are a time of increasing autonomy for young people; however, for parents living with and caring for a teenager with a life-threatening food allergy, this responsibility can have a considerable impact. This review will include qualitative studies on the experiences of parents of teenagers with life-threatening food allergies, including, but not limited to, caregiving, parenting, and psychosocial experiences; any day-to-day activities, happenings, thoughts, or feelings related to parenting a teenager with life-threatening food allergies; and the handing over of responsibility for the allergy to the teenager. The review will include studies on participants in the community and in health care settings such as inpatient hospitalizations, outpatient visits, school and sports events, family dinners, restaurants, and travel. Participants from all cultural backgrounds, socio-economic backgrounds, and countries will be included. The review will follow the JBI methodology for systematic reviews of qualitative evidence. The search for published studies will include CINAHL, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO (EBSCOhost); Embase (Ovid); LILACS, IBSS, and Sociological Abstracts (ProQuest). The search for unpublished studies will include ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, Open Access Theses and Dissertations (OATD), Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (BASE), Google, and Google Scholar. Databases will be searched from inception until the present. JBI tools and guidelines will be used to conduct critical appraisal, data extraction, data synthesis, and assessment of confidence in the findings. PROSPERO CRD42024503698.