Relationship between pregnancy intent and future sexual risk behavior among African-American adolescent females

Although most pregnancies among U.S. teenagers are unintended, a substantial number are planned. Research on factors associated with teen pregnancy has received great attention within the literature, however, less clear are the mechanisms through which intending to become pregnant impacts other risk behaviors and how this may change over time. 298 non-pregnant African-American females (15-22 years) completed an ACASI and were reassessed 6 months later as part of an STD prevention program. Sexual behaviors and intention to become pregnant were evaluated. Data analyses were conducted to prospectively explore differences in condom use between those who were not intending to become pregnant verses those who were at initial assessment. The majority (~90%) were not intentionally trying to become pregnant at initial assessment. Not intending to get pregnant at initial assessment was significantly associated with non-intention 6 months later. At follow-up, non-intenders reported significantly higher rates of condom use in the past 6 months than those intentionally trying to become pregnant (57% versus 37%, respectively). Despite not intending to get pregnant, and engaging in higher rates of condom use, 8.8% of the non-intenders tested positive for pregnancy 6 months later. While condom use was higher among non-intenders, it still was not 100%. To distinguish why some teens that do not intend to get pregnant still do, motivations and advantages for early childbearing must be better understood. Findings suggest that teens who intend to become pregnant may not benefit from the same type of risk-reduction interventions as those not contemplating pregnancy.