Objective: To prospectively identify behavioral outcomes of pregnancy desire among a sample of low-income adolescent females. Methods: African-American females 14-18 years of age completed an in-depth survey and interview at baseline (N=522) and again 6 months later (N=482). Analyses excluded adolescents who were pregnant at baseline. Logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios for the behavioral outcomes assessed at follow-up. Results: Pregnancy desire was not associated with testing positive for pregnancy at follow-up (P=.36). Subsequently, we excluded adolescents who tested positive at follow-up (n=35). 22% (82/375) of adolescents expressed some desire for pregnancy at baseline. Pregnancy desire predicted multiple behavioral outcomes assessed at follow-up. Adolescents desiring pregnancy were more likely to report not using a condom at last intercourse (AOR=2.07, P=.01), any sex without a condom in the past 30 days (AOR=2.22, P=009), non-reliance on hormonal contraception in the past 6 months (AOR=1.88, P=.04), inconsistent contraceptive use for the last five acts of vaginal sex (AOR=2.15, P=01), no contraceptive use for the last five acts of vaginal sex (AOR=2.09, P=01), and no contraceptive use for the past 6 months (AOR=2.10, P=.05). These adolescents were also more than 4 times as likely to indicate their current partner at follow-up desired pregnancy (AOR=4.19, P=.00001). No significant differences were observed between the two groups with respect to the number and type (e.g., casual vs. steady) of partners. Conclusion: Findings suggest that pregnancy desire should be addressed during contraceptive use counseling. Future research should focus on the influence of the male partner.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to identify the behavioral risk factors associated with pregnancy desire among a sample of African American adolescent females.
Keywords: Adolescents, Pregnancy
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.