J Fam Pract. 1991 Jan;32(1):17-21, 25.
The problem of teenage pregnancy.
McGrew MC, Shore WB.
Department of Family Medicine, University of New Mexico,
Albuquerque 87131.
PIP: In this question and answer dialogue along with a case
study, the psychosocial issues and medical aspects of teenage
pregnancy are discussed. Suggestions for improving the situation
included 1) developing a community based approach which utilizes
school sex education integrated with parent, church, and
community groups, 2) increasing teenage knowledge of
contraception, and 3) providing counseling and medical and
psychological health, education, and nutrition of the mother and
father in order to reduce low birth weight babies and the school
dropout rates. Advice to providers is to involved in supporting
community based adolescent pregnancy and childbearing programs,
and serving the needs of of teenagers by providing contraceptive
information in confidence, and providing nonjudgmental
information to parents and teenagers on sexuality, pregnancy and
birth control. The cost of teenage childbearing is estimated at
16.6 billion for 1985, with the U.S. Fertility rate, birth and
abortion rates higher than Canada, France, the Netherlands,
Great Britain and Sweden. Within 1 month of 1st initial
intercourse, 20% result in teenage pregnancy. 50% will give
birth to a second child. The health risk to the mother and child
due to poor nutrition, toxemia conditions, while psychosocial
effect is the cycle of failure and low self-esteem. For
disadvantaged youth, a baby appears as a reachable achievement,
and for those with an additional child, the goal of security and
financial independence is less likely. Financial and emotional
support from family or social services and family planning
practices can lead to completion of H.S., limitation in family
size, and independence. Of those receiving public assistance in
1969, 66% were independent, and only 12% receiving assistance
between 1969 and 1974 were still receiving assistance. Teen
fatherhood has not been ade Quately addressed, and findings
suggest that parenting and contraceptive education, job
training, support to stay in school are receptive ideas to
fathers and also impact favorable on mothers and children.
