Abstract: Although adolescent birth rates in Philadelphia are at their lowest level since 1985, rates in some neighborhoods remain over double the national average. A sample of 250 pregnant and parenting teens was recruited from several high-birthrate neighborhoods for a repeat teenage pregnancy prevention project. The sample was evenly divided among African American and Hispanic teens, all aged 18 or younger at baseline (mean age=16.8 years); over 90 % lacked a high school diploma or degree. At baseline, thirty six percent of all teens indicated they had used a condom at their last sexual experience, and 22% of those not pregnant that they had used a hormonal method at their last sexual experience. A total of 75% reported that they had a steady partner, and 18% that they had ever had chlamydia. Among those whose child was four months or older, 70% reported that they had visited a family planning clinic in the last six months; however, only 45% had used a condom and only 35% had used a hormonal contraceptive method at their last sexual experience. The data suggest that even among teens who access family planning clinics, rates of contraceptive and condom use remain low. Data from a six month follow-up survey will be analyzed to determine if the teens remain at risk for unintended pregnancies.
Learning Objectives: Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, participants should be able to: 1) gain knowledge regarding the use of contraceptives and family planning clinics among pregnant and parenting adolescents in PA; 2) identify preliminary impacts of usage rates on repeat pregnancies, STD's, etc.; and 3) appreciate the implications of findings for program design and policy
Keywords: Teen Pregnancy Prevention, Service Delivery
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.