Association between teenage pregnancy occurrence and parent-adolescent daughter communication dynamics

Background: Teenage pregnancy rates in the United States exceed those in most developed countries. Mississippi, where this study took place, has one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates in the nation. Determinants of teenage pregnancy should be extensively studied, including the effects of family communication dynamics on pregnancy occurrence. Purpose of study: This study is to determine the association between teenage pregnancy occurrence and parent-adolescent daughter communication dynamics. Methods: A questionnaire was administered to 75 adults between the ages of 20 and 39 living in Bolivar County of the Mississippi Delta. Only females who lived in the County while they were teenagers were recruited. The questionnaire collected data on pregnancy occurrence and family relationship of participants between the ages of 13 and 19. Data was analyzed using chi square and logistic regression analysis. Results: Most of the participants were African Americans (97.30%) and had income of less than $20,000 (81.10%). 88.00% of the participants were found to be single. Only 14.70% and 5.30% had college and post graduate level education respectively. Living in the same house with father reduced the odds of getting pregnant slightly (OR; 0.17). Teenagers who discussed important issues with father were less likely to get pregnant (OR; 8.54). Teenagers who discussed sex related issues with mother were more likely to get pregnant (OR; 2.50). Conclusion: The study demonstrates an association between family relationships especially parent-adolescent daughter communication on pregnancy occurrence. The study results provide direction for further research and teenage pregnancy prevention programs.