Introduction: This study sought to examine the relationship between rapid repeat pregnancy and interpersonal violence among low-income adolescents. Methods: The longitudinal, prospective cohort design included all Medicaid-eligible adolescents, between age 13 and 19, who initiated maternity care coordination services in a county health department in NC from 1994 to 1996. Maternity care coordinators screened adolescents for violence using a validated, systematic violence assessment protocol which was linked with clinical prenatal care records and hospital delivery records. Four years later, clinic/hospital records were blindly reviewed to document number, timing, and outcome of subsequent pregnancies. Results: The prevalence of violence among the 192 adolescents during the initial pregnancy was 16%. The adolescents who reported violence were significantly more likely to report alcohol use during pregnancy (RR=3.9, 95% CI=1.5, 10.3) and to have a premature baby (RR=3.6, 95% CI=1.5, 8.5) than those who reported no violence. Adolescents who reported violence during the initial pregnancy were significantly more likely to have a repeat pregnancy within twelve months (RR=2.3, 95% CI=1.1, 4.9) than those who reported no violence. A multiple logistic regression model controlling for age, race, and gravidity found that adolescents who reported violence during their initial pregnancy were 3 times more likely to have a rapid repeat pregnancy within twelve months (OR=2.95, 95%CI=1.1, 7.8). Conclusions: These findings support the need for interventions designed to reduce both the occurrence of interpersonal violence and the recurrence of pregnancy.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: 1. Articulate the procedure for assessing adolescents for interpersonal violence 2. List factors associated with interpersonal violence and rapid repeat pregnancy 3. Describe the association between interpersonal violence and rapid repeat pregnancies among adolescents
Keywords: Violence, Reproductive Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.