Successful efforts have reduced adolescent pregnancy among the general adolescent population in the United States and other developed countries. However, among Hispanics and the hard core multi-problem adolescents in the U.S., and in a similar hard core sample in Chile, the incidence of adolescent pregnancy is still significantly high and with devastating social and economic consequences.Traditional contraceptive practices and family planning education fail to serve the very special needs of this targeted population. This presentation will introduce a culturally and developmentally sensitive educational and health counseling model that integrates family, couples and individual interventions. It will also provide illustrative data gathered from focus groups and surveys with teen mothers and their families in both countries. The conclusive data will highlight differences and similiraties between the two countries involved in the collaborative project.
Learning Objectives: 1. To understand the unique and common qualities of adolescent dating and heterosexual relationships in Chile and the U.S. 2. Recognize common patterns of risk-behaviors among youth. 3.Learn about strategies to train adolescents in culturally competent contraceptive practices in Chile and the U.S.
Keywords: Contraception, Adolescents, International
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Center for Reproductive Medicine (CEMERA).Chile
Arts of Living Institute. U.S.
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.