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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Barbara W. Sugland, MPH, ScD¹, Kimberly Ross, MPH¹, Anita Chandra, DrPH², and Shameeka Jelenewicz, MA¹. (1) Center for Applied Research and Technical Assistance, Inc., 1800 N. Charles St., Suite 902, Baltimore, MD 21201, 410-625-6250, bsugland@cartainc.org, (2) RAND, 1200 South Hayes Street, Arlington, VA 22202

Rates of teen childbearing and teen pregnancy in the U.S. have dropped dramatically over the past decade. Despite these improvements, significant racial/ethnic disparities remain. Teen birth and pregnancy rates are as much as three times higher for youth of color than white youth; Chlamydia rates are six times higher. Research suggests youth of color in marginalized communities are disproportionately affected and factors such as structural racism and inequality play a critical role.

Trends in and geographic distribution of teen sexual health disparities are documented through a national scan of sexual health data. The correlation between disparities and structural inequality is assessed using residential segregation (dissimilarity index), educational attainment and income according to race/ethnicity. Disparities in teen sexual health are distributed widely across the U.S. Even states with low rates of teen birth, pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections are affected. States in the South and South West are disproportionately affected, particularly states in the Gulf Coast region. An in-depth examination of selected communities illustrates grassroots involvement and coalition work promoting comprehensive sexual health strategies are critical, but efforts could have greater impact if they were combined with advocacy and public policy strategies addressing structural racism, inequality and human rights.

The national scan offers a systematic way to monitor disparities, identify areas in greatest need, and to bring to light the impact of racism and inequality on teen sexual health. Recommendations for tracking disparities and using data to leverage grassroots involvement, particularly among young people of color, are outlined.

Learning Objectives: By the end of the session, participants will be able to

• Describe state and regional patterns in racial and ethnic disparities in teen sexual health.
• Link three structural inequality measures to the distribution of racial and ethnic disparities in teen sexual health.
• Articulate a place-based strategy for promoting local advocacy to address disparities in teen sexual health.

Keywords: Reproductive Health, Social Inequalities

Related Web page: www.cartainc.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered