As a group, Asian/Pacific Islander Americans (APIA) experience low rates of teen pregnancy and childbearing, and are therefore often left out of prevention efforts as a low-risk population. The "model minority" stereotype, coupled with classification of APIA communities as a single "Asian" group, has masked significant health and social issues, in particular with adolescent pregnancy. In this study, the analysis of APIA sub-populations with California birth certificate data (1989-1999) reveals startling disparities behind the aggregate figure. When using a single APIA classification the percentage of births to teen mothers is 5.6, far below the percentage among whites (12%), Hispanics (16%) and blacks (18%). However, the greater APIA population comprises both the lowest percentage of teen births (Chinese teens at 1%) and the highest (Laotian teens at 19%). Cambodians and Pacific Islanders are also at highly elevated risk of teen childbearing. Our sub-population analysis compares foreign-born to U.S. adolescents, measures of the educational level of the mother, the age gap between teen mothers and male partners, the marital status of the mother, and access to prenatal care, to create a more comprehensive and diverse account of the reality of teen childbearing among APIA sub-populations in California.
Learning Objectives: 1. Assess research and public policies on teen births among APIA. 2. Describe why the APIA groups at high risk of teen childbearing are not included in prevention interventions. 3. List the sub-populations within the APIA who are at high risk of teen childbearing.
Keywords: Adolescents, Asian and Pacific Islander Women
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.