Teen Pregnancy Prevention Research Articles

The impact of juvenile curfews on teenage birth rates.

I examine the effect of city-level juvenile curfews on teenage birth rates using the National Center for Health Statistics birth data from 1982 to 2002. I compare differences in birth rates between younger and older age groups in cities with and without curfew ordinances. Before curfew adoption, the age differential in birth rates trended similarly for cities that did and did not adopt a curfew. There were significant decreases in the age differential birth rates in cities that adopted a curfew relative to cities that did not. Curfews reduced birth rates by approximately 3 births per 1000 women ages 15-17. I find a decrease in birth rates among white women. The main results are corroborated using a variety of robustness checks and specifications.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Teenage Pregnancy at Paynesville, Monrovia, Liberia: Facility Based Cross Section Study

Introduction: In Liberia, teenage pregnancy is a serious public health issue that causes social and economic hardship. Adolescent birth rates are among the highest in sub-Saharan Africa, according to statistics. There are significant differences in the prevalence of teenage pregnancy between and within nations. Most teenage pregnancies occur in places with poorer incomes and lower levels of education. The purpose of this research is to determine the prevalence of teenage pregnancy in Liberia and to investigate the risk factors related to it, particularly in the Paynesville city community of Duport Road cow field block "B.".
 Methods: The research that was done using the Duport Road Clinic as a resource center provided the data for this study. Fifty girls between the ages of 15 and 19 who visited the hospital and lived in the community throughout the study period were recruited as participants. Total population sampling was used to interview all 50 of the females. A population-based cross-sectional survey is used in this quantitative study to gather data, and IBM 20.0 SPSS was used for analysis.
 Results: According to the report, 50.2% of adolescent girls between the ages of 15 and 19 had started having children at the time of the survey. Teenage pregnancy in the community was significantly correlated with age (OR = 6.9; 95% CI: 4.647, 10.366, p – value 0.001), teenagers living with their parents (OR = 1.057; p > 0.001), non-use of contraception (OR = 2.53; 95% CI: 1.739, 3.683), and teenage girls who were aware of contraceptive methods (OR = 2.86, 95% CI = 0.443, 18.463).
 Conclusion: In conclusion, a number of factors, including early sexual initiation, cohabitation, lack of education, and contraceptive non-use, contribute to the high rate of teenage pregnancy in Liberia. Interventions including encouraging the use of contraception, discouraging early sexual beginning, and setting up family planning clinics are advised in order to lessen its prevalence.

Efforts to Deal with the Impact of Adolescent Pregnancy through a Holistic Approach: A Literature Review

Teenage pregnancy, occurring at the age of 15-19 years, is a global public health problem with negative impacts for both mother and baby. The purpose of the study is to analyze the efforts that have been made in various countries in dealing with the impact of adolescent pregnancy to obtain strategies and recommendations that have the potential to create positive changes in handling the problem of adolescent pregnancy globally. This research method uses a literature review. The literature search process carried out in this literature review uses the database Scopus with a range of publication years 2019-2023. The search was conducted using several keywords "Teenage pregnancy" AND "impact". The findings of 10 journals show that teenage pregnancy has significant health and social impacts, including the risk of obstetric complications, high rates of maternal and infant mortality, and long-term consequences for mother and child. Factors such as low access to education, lack of knowledge about reproductive health, peer influence, and family problems trigger teenage pregnancy. The importance of a holistic approach involving collaboration between government, religious leaders, families, and educational institutions to prevent teenage pregnancy, increase knowledge of sexual education, and form positive, preventive attitudes needs to be done to reduce the risks and adverse effects associated with teenage pregnancy.

Use of contraceptives and associated factors among male adolescents in rural secondary schools, Coast Region, Tanzania: a school-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundTeenage pregnancy is still one of the reproductive health concerns facing adolescents in Tanzania. The problem has been associated with physiological, psychological, and social changes and increases the risk of unsafe abortion and adverse maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes among adolescents. Low utilization of contraceptive methods among adolescents is one of the key causes. The strategy of involving male adolescents in sexual and reproductive health programs can increase the rate of contraceptive use among adolescents, thereby preventing teenage pregnancy.ObjectiveTo examine factors associated with the uptake of contraceptives among male secondary school adolescent students.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study conducted in rural secondary schools in Kisarawe District, Coast Region, Tanzania. Multi-stage sampling methods were used to recruit participants. Descriptive and multiple regression analyses were conducted to assess the prevalence and factors associated with contraceptive use. 95% confidence interval and p-value < 0.05 were considered statistical significance. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were tested for the Crude Odds Ratio (COR) and Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) respectively.ResultsThe study involved 422 male students with the majority of them 58.1% aged 17–19 years, 50.2% were Muslim, 76.3% were studying in government schools, 62.3% were from households size of 4–6 members, 87.4% were not in a relationship, and 64.2% were living with both parents. Less than half (38.9%) of male students reported ever having sex in their lifetime, and among them, very few (29.8%) used any method of contraceptive. The reported lowest age for the first sex was 10 years. The male condom was the most method used (69.4%) and Pharmacy/Chemist Shops were the common source of contraceptive services (55.1%). Students who had adequate knowledge of contraceptives were more likely to report the use of contraceptive methods compared to those who had inadequate knowledge (AOR = 2.704, 95% CI: 1.220–5.995, p = 0.014). Participants in Private schools were 4.3 times more likely to report the use of contraceptives than those in government schools (AOR = 4.347, 95% CI: 1.758–10.762, p = 0.01). Students in a relationship were 3.5 times more likely than those not in a relationship to report the use of a contraceptive method (AOR = 3.51, 95% CI: 1.421–8.670, p = 0.006).ConclusionThe study found the low use of contraceptives among male adolescents who ever had sex in their lifetime. Thus, it’s suggested that age-tailored comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education should start to be taught from a very young age as adolescents initiate sex at an early age. Also, Teenage pregnancy prevention programs should involve males as the key players during the development and implementation of the program as most of the decisions among partners are from men.

Association Between Changes in Racial Residential and School Segregation and Trends in Racial Health Disparities, 2000-2020: A Life Course Perspective.

Most studies of the relationship between racial segregation and racial health disparities have focused on residential segregation. School-based racial segregation is an additional form of segregation that may be associated with racial disparities in health. This study examines the relationship between both residential segregation and school segregation and racial health disparities among non-Hispanic Black compared to non-Hispanic White persons at the county level in the United States. It also examines the relationship between changes in residential and school segregation and subsequent trajectories in a variety of racial health disparities across the life course. Using the CDC WONDER Multiple Case of Death database, we derived an annual estimate of race-specific death rates and rate ratios for each county during the period 2000-2020. We then examined the relationship between baseline levels of residential and school segregation in 1991 as well as changes between 1991-2000 and the trajectories of the observed racial health disparities between 2000 and 2020. We used latent trajectory analysis to identify counties with similar patterns of residential and school segregation over time and to identify counties with similar trajectories in each racial health disparity. Outcomes included life expectancy, early mortality (prior to age 65), infant mortality, firearm homicide, total homicide, and teenage pregnancy rates. During the period 1991-2020, racial residential segregation remained essentially unchanged among the 1051 counties in our sample; however, racial school segregation increased during this period. Increases in school segregation from 1991 to 2000 were associated with higher racial disparities in each of the health outcomes during the period 2000-2020 and with less progress in reducing these disparities. This paper provides new evidence that school segregation is an independent predictor of racial health disparities and that reducing school segregation-even in the face of high residential segregation-could have a long-term impact on reducing racial health disparities. Furthermore, it suggests that the health consequences of residential segregation have not been eliminated from our society but are now being exacerbated by a new factor: school-based segregation. Throughout this paper, changes in school-based segregation not only show up as a consistent significant predictor of greater racial disparities throughout the life course, but at times, an even stronger predictor of health inequity than residential segregation.

The Psychological and Physical Effects of Sex Taboos

The objective of this investigation was to find the physical and psychological effects that sex taboos directly or indirectly cause in individuals. This investigation's importance is reflected in how sex taboos are such an integral part of everything, from culture, art, clothing, architecture, medical care, teachings, and language. Sex taboos are present in almost every person's life, and it is essential first to illustrate the effects they have on people to be able to take the first step into helping individuals and irradicating sex taboos. This investigation proves that sex taboos, or situations caused by the upholding of these norms, lead to anxiety, depression, shame, guilt, risky sexual behavior, higher HIV infection rates, higher teen pregnancy rates, incorrect sex ed, damaged parent-child relationships, emotional distress, mistreatment and misdiagnosis of malnutrition, prejudice, isolation, medical professionals perpetuating misinformation and myths, violent sexual behavior, and suicide.

Maternal and neonatal health outcomes for First Nations Australian women and children: A retrospective cohort study in a Western Sydney metropolitan tertiary referral centre.

To analyse key pregnancy and birth outcomes for First Nations women and children at a Western Sydney metropolitan tertiary referral centre. The birth and health-determining characteristics of 470 First Nations infants born at Nepean Hospital in 2018 and their mothers were included in a retrospective audit and compared with a contemporaneous control group of 470 infants and their mothers. Mothers of First Nations infants had significantly higher rates of socioeconomic disadvantage (P < 0.001), psychosocial vulnerability (P < 0.007), mental illness (P < 0.001), teenage pregnancy (P < 0.001), smoking (45.6% vs. 19.4%, P < 0.001) and drug and alcohol use than control mothers (P < 0.001, P < 0.048). First Nations peoples did not have increased rates of maternal morbidity, nor any difference in rates of Caesarean section, resuscitation at birth, NICU admission, preterm birth or low birth weight in multivariable analysis. However, multivariable analysis demonstrated significant associations between low birth weight and maternal smoking (P < 0.001), hypertension (P < 0.01) and drug use (P < 0.01). Despite challenges facing First Nations mothers and infants, our study found no significant difference in maternal morbidity nor adverse birth outcomes for First Nations infants. The study occurred in the context of culturally specific, First Nations-led antenatal and infant services. Future studies should further investigate relationships between participation in these services and health outcomes. This could identify strengths and areas for improvement in current services, with the goal of further improving outcomes for First Nations peoples through targeted health services that address their psychosocial vulnerabilities and support women to make healthy choices during pregnancy.

112. Transcreating an Unintended Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program for Latino Teens Living in Rural Communities

112. Transcreating an Unintended Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program for Latino Teens Living in Rural Communities

Trends and determinants of unmet need for modern contraception among adolescent girls and young women in Tanzania, 2004-2016.

Unintended pregnancy at a young age can lead to poor reproductive health, social and economic outcomes. The high rate of unintended teenage pregnancies in Tanzania is indicative of inadequate availability and uptake of modern contraception. Determining trends and determinants of unmet need for modern contraception among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in Tanzania will help address the burden of unintended pregnancies. An analytical cross-sectional study design was conducted using secondary data from three consecutive Tanzania Demographic and Health Surveys (TDHS) 2004/05, 2010 and 2015/6 among AGYW in need of modern contraception. Data analysis considered the complex survey design. Poisson regression model was used to determine factors associated with unmet need for modern contraception. We observed a steady decline in unmet need for modern contraception among sexually active AGYW in need of modern contraception from 31.8% in 2004/05 to 27.5% in 2015/16 survey. In the multivariable analysis, higher prevalence of unmet need for modern contraception was observed among adolescents, participants with at least one live birth, from poor wealth tertile, and those sexually active during the past four weeks compared to their counterparts. Despite declining levels, the unmet need for modern contraception among AGYW in Tanzania remains high. AGYW under 19 years, those from poor households, and those who are postpartum are most at risk. Greater efforts in empowering and educating AGYW at risk on their reproductive health rights and needs will further the uptake of modern contraceptive use, reduce the rates of unintended pregnancies, lower the adolescent fertility rate as a result lower unmet need for modern contraception.

"My friends said they should no longer be with a b*tch like me…": A qualitative study to explore the consequences of adolescent childbearing among teen mothers in Gatsibo district, Rwanda.

In low and middle income countries (LMICs), the rate of teenage pregnancy continues to be high, with significant implications for maternal health. The prevalence of teenage pregnancy is worrisome in Rwanda, and little is known about the consequences faced by teen mothers aged 15-19. Therefore, the present study aims to explore the consequences of adolescent childbearing among teen mothers in Gatsibo district, Rwanda. A descriptive qualitative study design was carried out. We purposively recruited 20 teen mothers aged 15-19 from four health centers in Gatsibo district for in-depth interview. Conversations were conducted in Kinyarwanda and audio recorded. The research team, fluent in both English and Kinyarwanda, carefully listened to each recording and verbatim translated them into English ensuring they are clear and understandable. Transcripts were entered into Dedoose and then inductively and thematically analyzed. Three themes were identified: (1) self-reported health outcomes; (2) socio-economic consequences; and (3) perceived structural barriers of access to healthcare services. Teen mothers in this study reported experiencing physical and psychological problems during pregnancy and after delivery. The socio-economic consequences included lack of social support, feelings of guilt and stigmatization, discrimination, domestic violence, school interruption and dropout, and financial constraint. The structural barriers of access to healthcare included adverse health facility requirements, feeling stigmatized by adult mothers in the healthcare environment, and confronting healthcare providers' negative attitudes toward teen mothers. The results from this study indicated that adolescent childbearing is associated with several negative consequences. Therefore, there is a need in Rwanda to develop interventions addressing these consequences and revise policies and laws to ensure they support the needs of teen mothers.

Teenagers knowledge about teenage pregnancy prevention

Teenagers knowledge about teenage pregnancy prevention

JOSHA’s Critical Review of "Implications of the Social Dichotomy between Thinking and Acting on Teenage Pregnancy Rates” by Rosiana Silva da Silva, Rosângela Araújo Darwich

JOSHA’s Critical Review of "Implications of the Social Dichotomy between Thinking and Acting on Teenage Pregnancy Rates” by Rosiana Silva da Silva, Rosângela Araújo Darwich

Teenage parents and their children-position paper of the European academy of paediatrics and the European confederation of primary care paediatricians.

Teenage parenthood presents multifaceted implications, affecting adolescent parents, their children, and extended families. Despite a decrease in teenage pregnancy rates across Europe, the phenomenon continues to present significant challenges, impacting not only the adolescent parents but also their offspring and extended families. A comprehensive literature review was conducted. Key factors influencing teenage pregnancies, including socioeconomic background, family structure, and access to sex education and contraception, were examined. This review was supplemented by expert opinions from the European Academy of Paediatrics (EAP) and the European Confederation of Primary Care Paediatricians (ECPCP). The triad of mother, father, and child presents individual distinct healthcare needs and vulnerabilities, highlighting the importance of specialized support and healthcare. This paper explores the psychological, social, and educational repercussions of teenage parenthood on both parents and their children, including higher risks of postpartum depression, school dropout, and repeat pregnancies. Furthermore, it underscores the critical role that paediatricians and primary care providers play in supporting these young families. The position paper advocates for comprehensive care for adolescent parents and their children. It recommends preventive measures such as proper sex education and access to contraception to reduce unplanned teenage pregnancies. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for specialized healthcare and support for teenage parents to address their unique challenges and improve outcomes for both parents and their children.

COUNTING THE COSTS: THE UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES OF GHANA’S FREE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL POLICY ON HOUSEHOLD POVERTY IN GHANA

This study investigates the unexpected repercussions of Ghana's Free Senior High School (FSHS) program on household poverty, with a particular emphasis on household savings. Structured interviews were used to obtain primary data from a purposive sample of 130 parents and 8 schools, including both private and public institutions. The study unveils that the FSHS policy has led to several unintended negative outcomes, including higher financial expenses, longer periods spent at home, lower academic achievement, inadequate infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms, insufficient meal provision, lack of teaching materials, and an increase in teenage pregnancies. The results of multiple linear regression analyses show that compared to increased financial stress, high rates of teenage pregnancy, lack of educational resources, low academic performance, extended amounts of time spent at home, and inadequate nutrition, have a significant negative effect on monthly household savings. The perceived unnecessary nature of the school list also significantly contributes to the adverse effect on household savings. The study suggests that the criteria for giving schools prospectus should be reviewed to verify that they are essential and cost-effective, which would help to reduce excessive expenses for parents. Furthermore, it promotes ongoing engagement with parents, educators, and community stakeholders to collect feedback and improve the FSHS program in accordance with their experiences and requirements. An effective monitoring and evaluation structure is crucial for routinely assessing the effects of the FSHS program, utilizing data to inform adjustments in policy and practice.

Gravidez na adolescência no Espírito Santo: planejando a assistência à saúde materno-infantil

The present study corresponds to a descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective epidemiological research, with a quantitative approach. The general objective is to describe the clinical epidemiological profile of teenage pregnancy in the state of Espírito Santo in the years 2010 to 2019. The research was carried out using data obtained from the DATASUS platform, through the SINASC program. This study is relevant in making it possible to better understand the population served and identify more precisely the gaps in public policies that can be improved or created. It was found that in 2015, 56,941 live births were registered in the general population, the highest rate recorded between the years 2010-2019. Of these, 16.7% (9,543) were born to mothers aged between 10 and 19 years. Corroborating the analysis, the highest pregnancy rate in the adolescent population was recorded in 2013, when 18% (9,764) of pregnancies in the state of Espírito Santo were among adolescents. It was also evident that 8.4% (7,485) of babies were born weighing 2,499g or less and that 0.6% of newborns were diagnosed with some congenital anomaly. It can therefore be concluded that high rates of teenage pregnancy denote flawed strategies, impacting the growth of healthier generations in the present and future in all aspects, including economic, making it essential to know the data collected for planning maternal and child care.

Implementasi Program Kesehatan Reproduksi Remaja melalui Posyandu Remaja: Studi Kualitatif

Utilization of youth information services is still low in several areas, including North Maluku. The low level of utilization of reproductive health services among adolescents is influenced by many factors. This research aims to analyze the implementation of adolescent reproductive health programs. Through the youth Posyandu in Juanga Village, the working area of the Daruba Community Health Center, South Morotai District. This research used qualitative methods, selecting subjects using purposive sampling and data collection techniques through observing the implementation of youth Posyandu, interviews, and focus group discussions on cadres. The research subjects were 14 informants, consisting of five cadres, five teenagers, two families, one health center officer, and one community figure. The findings show that there is no special training for adolescent Posyandu cadres, there is no incentive funding for cadres, the infrastructure and guidelines are incomplete, and there is still a lack of knowledge among adolescents regarding adolescent reproduction. It can be concluded that the current implementation of youth Posyandu has obstacles and problems which have an impact on implementation limitations, including the implementation process which still experiences obstacles in attracting youth participation and communication with related parties, as well as obstacles to funding incentives for youth cadres. It is recommended that there be a model of community empowerment, especially teenagers, in utilizing youth Posyandu, in an effort to reduce the high rate of premarital teenage pregnancies.

Multi-Stakeholder Innovation Based Quadruple Helix Thinking : Teenage Promiscuity Prevention in Indonesia

The rising rates of teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections demand a collaborative solution involving multiple stakeholders. To prevent promiscuity among teenagers, the Quadruple Helix Thinking approach is employed. The objective of this investigation is to examine the cooperation among stakeholders, notably Polsek, Puskesmas, and the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), in curbing promiscuity among teenagers residing around Pasir Jambu Village. This study employs a descriptive qualitative methodology to elucidate the role and efficacy of stakeholder collaboration in mitigating promiscuity among adolescents. The primary sources of data collection comprise input gathered from informants while the secondary data include supporting documents and records. The data gathering techniques involve surveys and interviews. The participants selected for this study consisted of junior and senior high school students from Jambu Village who were at risk for promiscuity. Interviews were conducted with both MUI and parents, following the specified criteria. Descriptive analysis was utilized, and the interactive model was adapted to analyze the data. The findings demonstrate that inter-agency collaboration effectively prevented promiscuity in Pasir Jambu Village

Teenage Pregnancy and its Impact on Learners: Perceptions of Educators in Rural UMkhanyakude District, South Africa and Implications for Action

In many low and middle-income nations around the world, teen pregnancy and its effects are a serious public health issue. The soaring rate of teenage pregnancy has attracted voluminous efforts and strategies by the South African government, which is yet to produce a satisfactory modification to the prevailing status. In realisation of the possible consequences of teenage pregnancy to learners, their parents and the nation, this study examines the factors responsible for the soaring rate and the effect of teenage pregnancy on the learners from the perception of educators in UMkhanyakude District, which is one among the poorest district municipalities. Qualitative research technique that generates non-numeric data was employed to gather comprehensive viewpoints. Fifteen teachers were purposefully selected and interviewed using a semi-structured interview. Retrieved data were synthesised and distilled into themes. It was found that teen pregnancy could be influenced by different factors, and it has become a great concern for educators. Also, the incidences of unwanted pregnancy have different effects on the learners and the educators’ performance. As a result, the ability of educators to deal with pregnant students and provide them with individualised attention suffers. The data demonstrate that teenage pregnancy is a serious problem that requires the attention of many community members. Teenage pregnancy in a learning environment is a source of worry for teachers who are unprepared to handle the changing behaviours of pregnant teenagers at school. Thus, this study offers some recommendations for the efficient prevention of teenage pregnancy and especially to reduce its impact on teenagers’ education.

Influential Elements Impacting Adolescent Pregnancy in Teen Mothers Seeking Antenatal Care at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital, Kabarole District

In sub-Saharan Africa, approximately 14 million pregnancies arise annually, with almost half occurring among women aged 15–19. Uganda saw 25% of young women in that age bracket beginning childbearing in 2015. The primary aim of the study was to identify factors influencing teenage pregnancy among adolescent mothers receiving antenatal care at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital in Kabarole district. Using a cross-sectional descriptive design, 288 teenage girls were randomly selected for participation. The majority (51.4%) fell within the 17-19 age range, 72.9% were unmarried, 54.5% had attained a Secondary education level, and most (60.4%) lived in rural areas. The teenage pregnancy rate stood at 25.7%. Individual factors significantly linked to teenage pregnancy included inadequate contraceptive use and alcohol misuse. Household-related factors associated with teenage pregnancy encompassed orphanhood, low-income status (poverty), absence of parental guidance, and teenage girls not residing with their parents. Community factors significantly tied to teenage pregnancy among those attending antenatal care at Fort Portal regional referral hospital included peer influence, exposure to pornographic content, limited access to reproductive health services, and cultural norms. These cultural practices involved early and arranged marriages, along with coerced sex with witch doctors disguised as healers. The researcher suggested that Uganda's government establish additional centers, particularly in rural areas, to address limited access to reproductive health services. Additionally, regulating alcohol and drug use among teenagers by restricting access to these substances was recommended. Keywords: Teenage Pregnancies, Antenatal care, teenage mothers, teenage girls, Parents.

69| J o u r n a l o f A d u l t E d u c a t i o n i n T a n z a n i aChallenges Facing Teenage Mothers Re-Admitted to Non-Formal Education System in Tanzania: Empirical Evidence from Learners at Wamo Open School, Morogoro Municipality

In Tanzania, as in many other low and middle-income countries, teenage pregnancy rates remain high, with cultural, socioeconomic and structural factors contributing to early and unintended pregnancies among adolescents. This study focused on the challenges facing teenage mothers re-admitted to non-formal education in Tanzania. The study was qualitative and employed a purposive sampling technique to select 20 participants from Wamo Open School. Data was analysedqualitatively. The findings revealed that teenage mothers re-admitted to non-formal education in Tanzania faced a myriad of challenges namely, stigma and discrimination from peers and community members, lack of financial resources, childcare responsibilities, dropout risk, and limited future opportunities. Finally, the study recommends that Wamo Open School, Morogoro Municipality should develop and implement comprehensive support services tailored to the needs of teenage mothers re-admitted to non-formal education programs. Keywords: Teenage mothers, non-formal education, challenges, re-admission, Tanzania