Opinions of adults in a conservative social ecological setting regarding the impact of community involvement on teen pregnancy, sexual communication on teen pregnancy, and the effects of teen pregnancy on life achievement

Within the United States, the southeast has a disproportionally high rate of teen pregnancy, with South Carolina ranking in the top ten. Less published literature exists on adult opinions regarding this health issue within conservative communities. The purpose of this study was to compare the opinions of community members regarding community involvement and sexual communication on teen pregnancy and the effects of teen pregnancy on life achievement. A dual sampling approach of landlines and cell phones resulted in 988 adults from two counties completing The South Carolina Survey of Public Opinion on Pregnancy Prevention. This study found more blacks than whites believed that information about birth control influenced sexual behavior and teen mothers were as likely to graduate from high school. Gender differences were found with more females indicating teen community involvement was a protective factor for pregnancy.  Alternatively, more males felt that providing information about birth control influenced sexual behavior.  Educational differences were identified with more college graduates than those with less than a high school education indicating that teen involvement in the community was a protective factor for pregnancy and parental communication reduces the likelihood of teen pregnancy. Lastly, more individuals who reported high religious views felt that providing information about birth control makes it easier for teens to have sex. The results of this study seem to indicate that various demographic factors influence opinions of adults regarding adolescent sexuality.  Sexuality education needs to focus not just on the adolescents but also on adult opinions regarding sexual behaviors.