4048.0: Tuesday, November 14, 2000 - 9:15 AM

Abstract #6433

Teenage Moms in Nova Scotia, Canada: What are the issues/factors influencing the decision to have a baby?

Lois A. Jackson, PhD, School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, 6230 South Street, Halifax, NS B3H 3J5, Canada, (902) 494-1341, lois.jackson@dal.ca, Hilary Marentette, Single Parent Centre, Halifax, NS, Canada, and Heather McCleave, North End Community Health Centre, Halifax, NS, Canada.

Much of the literature on teenage moms focuses on "what went wrong" in terms of birth control use. In contrast, the main objective of this qualitative study was to explore the types of issues influencing the decision to have a baby among teenagers living in a relatively small metropolitan area. Forty women (18-25 years)who had a baby as a teenager (planned or unintended) were interviewed. Approximately one-half self-identified as from the Black community and one-half from the White community. The interviews were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim, and coded for major themes/sub-themes. Based on the interviews, we will report key issues identified by the women as supporting/encouraging the decision to have a baby including: a) interpersonal/family issues (e.g., the role of the woman's mother); b) community influences (e.g., not much happening in the community therefore having a baby "fills a void"); and c) societal influences (e.g., being a mother is a part of women's identity). The implications of the findings for health professionals will be discussed.

Learning Objectives: At the completion of this session, the participants will be able to identify some of the key social, cultural and societal issues influencing teenage women's decision to have a baby

Keywords: Adolescent Health, Pregnancy

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA