Preventing Latina teen pregnancy: The important role of parents

The Latina teen birth rate is the highest of any major racial/ethnic group in the U.S. Developing teen pregnancy prevention messages for Latinas presents a unique challenge. Latinas have the highest rates of intended teen births, report an earlier desired age for childbearing, and express more ambivalence towards the timing of childbearing than other racial/ethnic groups. Latinas also report having less social support from family and friends regarding contraceptive use as compared to white teens. The current study aimed to identify key factors associated with delayed childbearing among Latinas. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 65 primarily low-income, pregnant Latinas in California, half of whom were teens and half of whom were born outside the U.S. Adult and teen responses to a series of open-ended questions regarding birth control access and use, educational and vocational expectations and experiences, and family and peer influences on childbearing were compared to highlight factors that helped the adults delay their first birth to adulthood. U.S. and immigrant adults alike described their parents' involvement in their lives as central to their decision to delay childbearing. Adults commonly described the quality of their parental relationship during their teenage years as open, communicative, and supportive, whereas teens often described difficult relationships and turbulent family environments. Still, adults and teens both reported that discussions directly related to sex or contraception were uncommon or ambiguous, suggesting that the protective role of parents lies primarily in the strengths of the relationships they develop with their children.