Part 1 of a two-part research study hypothesized that mixing non-married and married teen sexual activity data would produce inaccurate interpretations of the components attributable to the declines in birthrates in the United States. Data were collected and analyzed for these two populations. The results in fact supported this hypothesis and were presented at APHA in 2000. The results revealed that when comparing birthrates from 1991 to 1995, the birthrates of single, sexually active teens actually increased from 95 per 1000 to 102 per 1000; whereas the birthrates of married teens declined from 410 per 1000 to 362 per 1000. As part 2 of this research study, we propose, analyzing changes in the types and frequency of contraceptive use in the married and non-married populations and project how these changes would have been expected to effect the teen birthrate. These data will reveal the contributions teen contraception use made to the birthrate declines. Contraception data are currently being gathered and analyzed from the 1995 National Survey of Family Growth (NFSG) dataset. Data from 1991 are being created retrospectively from the 1995 NSFG data since the time period between 1991 and 1995 revealed the greatest decline in teen birthrates.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to identify the components contributing to the decline in teen birthrates in the United States. First, the participant will be able to discern the differences in birthrate for non-married versus married teens. Second, the participant will be able to empirically support and analyze the differences between both abstinence and various types of contraception to the decline.
Keywords: Adolescent Health, Contraception
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.