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Sophie Godet Wenzel, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 219 Montgomery Street, Decatur, GA 30030, 4043784896, sgw76@yahoo.com, Greg Bautista, Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention, 100 Auburn Ave. Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30303, and Jennifer S. Hirsch, PhD, Department of International Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30322.
Since 1990, rates of adolescent pregnancy in the United States have decreased steadily for all major ethnic/racial groups. However, the rate for Latinas ages 15 to 19 has remained consistently higher. In Georgia, the Latina adolescent birth rate rose from 101.6 to 152.4 births per 1000 Latinas between 1994 and 2002. Research was conducted in 2003 to understand the dynamics of Latina adolescent pregnancy in Georgia. This research provides a compilation of quantitative data from numerous government, non-profit and private organizations. It also includes conclusions drawn from focus groups and individual interviews conducted with Latina adolescent mothers, fathers of babies born to Latina adolescents and health professionals. The main objective of the focus groups and interviews was to understand the many cultural, social, political and economic issues contributing to adolescent pregnancy among Latinas. Findings indicate a complex mix of factors that contribute to the high Latina adolescent birth rate. There is very little communication between Latino parents and their children and amongst partners on topics of sex and sexuality. Contraceptive use is sporadic among Latino adolescents, often influenced by preferences of the male partner. Participants spoke of the little education they received about sex, sexuality and contraceptives at school and at home. Furthermore, many adolescents were ambivalent about childbearing and several actually intended to have children at a very young age. This research concludes with a number of recommendations for policy-makers and suggestions for organizations working with Latinos at the community level. New programs need to take cultural considerations into account when planning successful Latina adolescent pregnancy prevention programs. Programs need to focus on increased male and parental involvement. Additionally, more educational outreach to Latino adolescents, especially those not in schools, is desperately needed.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to
Keywords: Adolescents, Pregnancy
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: The research was conducted with the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I was hired as a research intern from July 2003 to January 2004 and conducted this research for the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention. This research will be published by the company in the future.