177001 Intention for pregnancy among urban minority teen girls

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Kathy S. Katz, PhD , Department of Pediatrics, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC
Margaret Rodan, ScD , Department of Pediatrics, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC
Lenora McClain, PhD , Department of Pediatrics, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC
Lauren Courtney , RTI-International, Washington, DC
Sylvia Tan, MS , Research Triangle Institute, Washington, DC
Susan M. Blake, PhD , School of Public Health and Health Services, George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC
Siva Subramanian, MD , Division of Neonatology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC
Background

Despite improved access to reproductive health resources, teens may inconsistently use contraception(C). Desiring a pregnancy may affect consistency of use. Knowledge of factors associated with pregnancy intention may lead to improved prevention.

Purpose

To identify characteristics associated with teens' desiring pregnancy (DP).

Methods

Minority girls (n=187), ages 15-19, delivering a first infant, were interviewed prenatally as part of an RCT to reduce subsequent teen pregnancy. Baseline measures of pregnancy intention, demographic, contraception use, relationship and school factors were analyzed.

Results

Forty-three percent of the sample had DP. Teens who had DP were more likely to have parental approval of the pregnancy (OR=2.2, 95% CI 1.2-4.0) and a boyfriend employed or in school (OR= 2.0, CI 1.1-3.6). There were trends for teens DP to have had a previous miscarriage (10% vs 4%, p=.13) and for the baby's father to be more involved ( 71% vs 57%, p=.06). Inconsistent use of C was as common for girls not wanting pregnancy as those who did (56% vs 50%). No differences were found for age, length of boyfriend relationship, school attendance, or having parenting peers.

Conclusions

Healthcare providers need to be aware that DP may affect the success of reproductive health guidance. Because few risk factors differentiate teens DP from those who don't, asking about a teen's attitudes towards getting pregnant may help guide education about child-bearing. Not wanting a pregnancy, however, is not a reliable predictor for a teen's consistent C use. Lack of family disapproval of pregnancy may add to a teen's DP.

Funded by NICHD

Learning Objectives:
1.Identify factors associated with pregnancy intention in minority teens. 2.Recognize the need to explore attitudes towards pregnancy when providing reproductive health guidance

Keywords: Adolescent Health, Reproductive Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I serve as the data management coordinator for this study of teen mothers and participated in its design, implementation and data analysis.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Influence of Gender, Culture and Age on Sexual and Reproductive Health
See more of: Population, Family Planning, and Reproductive Health