Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #117254

Ruhul Amin, PhD, Institute for Urban Research, Morgan State University, 1700 E. Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, MD 21251-0001, 443-885-3004, RAmin@Jewel.Morgan.edu and Michele Mouttapa, PhD, Center for Health Disparities Solutions, Morgan State University, 2201 East Argonne Drive, Montebello Complex, Room 103-D, Baltimore, MD 21251-0001.

This research reports the extent to which biological fathers are involved with adolescent mothers and their children. Self-report survey data were collected in 2000-2001 from 371 low-income pregnant and parenting female adolescents attending an alternative public school in Baltimore City--the Paquin School for Pregnant and Parenting Adolescents. Follow-up surveys were administered in 2005 to assess the extent to which the fathers of adolescent mothers were involved in her life and the life of their child. In 2000-2001, over two thirds (69.5.%) of fathers provided some financial assistance to the adolescent mother, and 75.5% regularly visited her. Preliminary analyses of the 2005 follow-up survey indicate that paternal involvement with the adolescent mother and child decreases substantially over time. The percentage of young mothers who reported receiving financial support from the child's biological father and maintaining a steady relationship with him decreased significantly from 2001 to 2005. The findings suggest that young mothers may need alternative sources of social and financial support within the first few years of their child's life. Other characteristics of these biological fathers are further discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• Develop an awareness of the extent to which adolescent mothers are not supported by the father of the child.
• Understand risk factors for low paternal involvement.
• Develop an understanding of how a school-based comprehensive program may help address the issue of low paternal involvement.

Keywords: Adolescents, Child Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.