DOCSLIB.ORG

A Community's Perception of Pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Infections and Prevention Programs Felecity Nicole Burns Walden University

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
A Community's Perception of Pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Infections and Prevention Programs Felecity Nicole Burns Walden University Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2016 A Community's Perception of Pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Infections and Prevention Programs Felecity Nicole Burns Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Education Policy Commons, Public Health Education and Promotion Commons, and the Public Policy Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Social and Behavioral Sciences This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by Felecity Burns has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Hilda Shepeard, Committee Chairperson, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Dr. Patricia Ripoll, Committee Member, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Dr. Tanya Settles, University Reviewer, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Chief Academic Officer Eric Riedel, Ph.D. Walden University 2016 Abstract A Community’s Perception of Pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Infections and Prevention Programs by Felecity Nicole Burns MA, Albany State University, 2007 BS, Albany State University, 2004 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy & Administration Walden University May 2016 Abstract The United States has the highest rates of teenage pregnancies, births, abortions, and sexually transmitted infections in the industrialized world. African American teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections are on the rise in many rural southwest school districts in the State of Georgia where the sex education curriculum is nonexistent or solely focuses on abstinence. Georgia ranked 4th in cases of primary and secondary syphilis, 6th in AIDS, 12th in gonorrhea, 14th in teen pregnancies, and 17th in chlamydia in the United States in 2012. The purpose of this qualitative study was to evaluate the perceptions of residents of a primarily African American rural southwest Georgia community regarding the importance of sex education and their knowledge of the school district’s sex education curriculum. It specifically investigated abstinence-only sexual education using Bronfenbrenner’s ecological learning theory. Study participants (n = 25) were African American youths in 9th grade, their parents, school officials, religious leaders, policymakers, and health advocates. The research questions were designed to investigate participants’ knowledge of sexual health and effective sex education curricula for their school district. Data were collected from the participants via semi-structured interviews. MAXQDA 11.1 software was used for thematic analysis of transcribed interviews. The findings demonstrated community support for a comprehensive sex education curriculum and the need for a new paradigm in social policy that suggests initiatives should be evidence-based to achieve maximum efficacy in policy analysis. The study provides a baseline for school officials to assess community opinions regarding the acceptance of a comprehensive sex education curriculum. A Community’s Perception of Pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Infections and Prevention Programs by Felecity Nicole Burns MA, Albany State University, 2007 BS, Albany State University, 2004 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy & Administration Walden University May 2016 Dedication To my son, Tiyance Jamaal Dewberry, Jr., thanks for your unselfishness as I embarked on this journey to transform the way we live in this world. You have been the inspiration behind this study. I cannot convey enough gratitude and thanks for your unwavering support. For years, you allowed me to forfeit many hours of our bonding time (tear) – thank you. Thank you for not giving up on me. A huge thanks to my awesome support system, my parents Loretta and Alonzo Burns, Ywarnetta/ Shayla (sisters), Alonzo Jr. (brother), nieces/nephews Edrianna, Alondrianna, Jada, Natalie, Yancey, Antanil, Malik, Shaderricka, Diamond, Denerricka, Kerniya, Jockerria, Crystal, Makayla, and Emerald. Thanks for fun times during trying times. You are greatly appreciated for your role in organizing articles, simplifying questions, cheerleading for my completion, catering family functions around my studying, praying with and for me, and reminding me that I’m #BUILTBURNSTOUGH! I Love you, chicken- little! . To my cousin Shabreka, I know you’re in Heaven screaming “Go Nikki!” To my niece Ka’Javia, I know you’re proud of this research. Rest in Peace, my loves. Acknowledgments This task would have been impossible without the grace and mercies of my God. Thank you for keeping me and providing an enduring spirit during these difficult times. I pray this work will reach your people. Drs. Hilda Shepeard and Patricia Ripoll, I would not be here if it weren’t for the two of you. Dr. Shepeard, thank you for your constant encouragement that a “Good Dissertation is a Done Dissertation.” Well, looks like this is pretty darn good! To my editor, Mary Ann Scott, thank you, thank you, and thank you. You absolutely rock, my dear! When I felt inadequate, you each reassured my competence. Thanks for drying my tears with a smile, shoulder, prayer, or simply listening to me vent, which happened quite often. To my mentors, Dr. Clifford Porter, thank you for calling this level of scholarship out nearly a decade ago. Thanks for the words of encouragement. Dr. Ranyelle Reid, you’ve been more than a friend/sorer during this process. You were my light when the end of the tunnel was pitch-black. To my best of friends Denise, Latishua, Serquwilla, Tameka K., Kiva, Princess, Tonya High, Denise D. (F&F), and Kashi, I thank you all for dealing with my whining and procrastination. I love you girls. Soon to be Drs. Shannon B.-D. and Cynthia T.-W., I pass the torch to you. To my dearest Marcus, what can I say? Thanks for the tough love over all these years. I could never repay you for personally wiping tears, for not engaging in my pity parties, and for the challenge. To my dear friends who are not mentioned above, thank you for your presence and prayers. Your acts of kindness will never be forgotten. I Love y’all Table of Contents List of Tables ..................................................................................................................... vi Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ....................................................................................1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................1 Background ....................................................................................................................3 Teen Pregnancy ....................................................................................................... 4 Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Infections ....................................................... 8 Rural Areas ........................................................................................................... 10 Poverty .................................................................................................................. 12 Culture................................................................................................................... 14 Abstinence Versus Comprehensive Sex Education .............................................. 17 Sex Health Policy .................................................................................................. 19 Problem Statement .......................................................................................................20 Purpose of the Study ....................................................................................................21 Research Questions ............................................................................................... 22 Theoretical Foundations...............................................................................................22 Conceptual Framework ................................................................................................24 Nature of the Study ......................................................................................................26 Definition of Terms......................................................................................................27 Assumptions .................................................................................................................28 Scope and Delimitations ..............................................................................................29 Limitations ...................................................................................................................30 i Significance..................................................................................................................31 Summary ......................................................................................................................32 Chapter 2: Literature Review ............................................................................................34
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Teenage Pregnancy Declining? the Roles of Abstinence, Sexual Activity and Contraceptive Use
    Why is Teenage Pregnancy Declining? The Roles of Abstinence, Sexual Activity and Contraceptive Use Jacqueline E. Darroch Susheela Singh Occasional Report No. 1 December 1999 Acknowledgments This report was written by Jacqueline E. Darroch, se- nior vice president and vice president for research, and Susheela Singh, director of research, The Alan Guttmacher Institute (AGI). The authors are indebted to Christine Bachrach, National Institute of Child Health and Human Devel- opment, and Jennifer Manlove and Kristin Moore, Child Trends, who reviewed an early draft of the man- uscript. The authors also thank Stephanie Ventura and William Mosher, National Center for Health Statistics, for their valuable comments. The advice and assistance of colleagues from AGI—Akinrinola Bankole, Patricia Donovan, Beth Fredrick, Stanley K. Henshaw, Cory Richards and Jeannie I. Rosoff—are also gratefully acknowledged. Preparation of this report was supported in part by the Educational Foundation of America and the Marion Cohen Memorial Foundation. Suggested citation: Darroch JE and Singh S, Why Is Teenage Pregnancy Declining? The Roles of Absti- nence, Sexual Activity and Contraceptive Use, Occa- sional Report, New York: The Alan Guttmacher Insti- tute, 1999, No. 1. © 1999, The Alan Guttmacher Institute Table of Contents Introduction 5 What Are the Trends? 6 What Accounts for These Trends? 8 Why Has the Pregnancy Rate Among Sexually Experienced Teenagers Declined? 10 Policy Implications 12 Figures and Table 13 References and Notes 21 3 Why Is Teenage Pregnancy
    [Show full text]
  • Reasons for First Teen Pregnancies Predict the Rate of Subsequent Teen Conceptions
    Reasons For First Teen Pregnancies Predict the Rate of Subsequent Teen Conceptions Catherine Stevens-Simon, MD; Lisa Kelly, CHA, PA; Dena Singer, CHA, PA; and Donna Nelligan, CHA, PA ABSTRACT. Objective. To identify reasons for incon- ABBREVIATIONS. CAMP, Colorado Adolescent Maternity Pro- sistent contraceptive use that antedate conception and con- gram; CI, confidence interval. tinue to predispose participants in adolescent-oriented ma- ternity programs to unsafe sexual practices after delivery. We hypothesized that teens who attributed their failure to he pregnancy rate among sexually experienced use contraceptives before their first conception exclusively American teenagers decreased during the last to concerns about their side effects and/or their own lack of T2 decades, a tribute to the success of sex edu- motivation to prevent conception would report less consis- cation and family planning programs in this coun- tent contraceptive use and more repeat conceptions than try.1 However, the teen pregnancy rate in the United would teens who attributed their previous failure to use States remains one of the highest in the Western contraceptives to their lack of capacity to do so. world, evidence that many sexually active American Method. We conducted a 2-year, prospective, longitu- teenagers are still ineffective contraceptive users.1–4 dinal study of contraceptive use and repeat conceptions The increased availability of confidential, adolescent- in a racially/ethnically diverse population of poor 13- to 18-year-olds. The 198 study participants were enrolled oriented, reproductive health care services has consecutively during their first pregnancies from an helped many teenagers prevent the untoward conse- 3–9 adolescent-oriented maternity program.
    [Show full text]
  • Impact of Environmental and Individual Risk Factors on Pregnant and Parenting Teenagers Lakeasha Thrasher Walden University
    Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2015 Impact of Environmental and Individual Risk Factors on Pregnant and Parenting Teenagers Lakeasha Thrasher Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Public Health Education and Promotion Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Health Sciences This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by Lakeasha Thrasher has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Mary Lou Gutierrez, Committee Chairperson, Public Health Faculty Dr. Paige Wermuth, Committee Member, Public Health Faculty Dr. Rodney Bowden, University Reviewer, Public Health Faculty Chief Academic Officer Eric Riedel, Ph.D. Walden University 2015 Abstract Impact of Environmental and Individual Risk Factors on Pregnant and Parenting Teenagers by Lakeasha S. Thrasher MPA, Albany State University, 2003 BS, Albany State University, 1999 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Health Walden University August 2015 Abstract Teenage pregnancy is both a social and a public health problem in the United States, with approximately 750,000 young women between the ages of 15 and 19 becoming pregnant each year. In addition, teen pregnancy is more prevalent in the African American (15%) and Hispanic (14%) communities than it is in White communities (5%).
    [Show full text]
  • Does Immediate Access to Birth Control Help Prevent Pregnancy?
    Journal of Applied Research on Children: Informing Policy for Children at Risk Volume 2 Issue 2 Teen Pregnancy Article 8 2011 Does Immediate Access to Birth Control Help Prevent Pregnancy? A Comparison of Onsite Provision Versus Off Campus Referral for Contraception at Two School-Based Clinics Peggy Smith Baylor College of Medicine, [email protected] Gabrielle Novello [email protected] Mariam R. Chacko [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/childrenatrisk Recommended Citation Smith, Peggy; Novello, Gabrielle; and Chacko, Mariam R. (2011) "Does Immediate Access to Birth Control Help Prevent Pregnancy? A Comparison of Onsite Provision Versus Off Campus Referral for Contraception at Two School-Based Clinics," Journal of Applied Research on Children: Informing Policy for Children at Risk: Vol. 2 : Iss. 2 , Article 8. Available at: https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/childrenatrisk/vol2/iss2/8 The Journal of Applied Research on Children is brought to you for free and open access by CHILDREN AT RISK at DigitalCommons@The Texas Medical Center. It has a "cc by-nc-nd" Creative Commons license" (Attribution Non- Commercial No Derivatives) For more information, please contact [email protected] Does Immediate Access to Birth Control Help Prevent Pregnancy? A Comparison of Onsite Provision Versus Off Campus Referral for Contraception at Two School- Based Clinics Acknowledgements Acknowledgments: This article was supported in part by a grant from St. Luke’s Episcopal Health Charities, the Simmons Foundation and Maternal Child Health Bureau/Leadership Education in Adolescent Health Grant - 2 T71 MC00011 This article is available in Journal of Applied Research on Children: Informing Policy for Children at Risk: https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/childrenatrisk/vol2/iss2/8 Smith et al.: School-Based Birth Control Policy Comparison Introduction Unplanned teen pregnancy and parenting continue to be issues throughout the United States.
    [Show full text]
  • Linking Changes in Contraceptive Use to Declines in Teen Pregnancy Rates
    Article Linking Changes in Contraceptive Use to Declines in Teen Pregnancy Rates Jennifer Manlove 1,*, Quentin Karpilow 1, Kate Welti 1 and Adam Thomas 1,2 Received: 5 October 2015; Accepted: 21 December 2015; Published: 24 December 2015 Academic Editor: Naomi Farber 1 Reproductive Health & Family Formation, Child Trends, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; [email protected] (Q.K.); [email protected] (K.W.); [email protected] (A.T.) 2 McCourt School of Public Policy, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +1-240-223-9262 Abstract: Using a unique microsimulation tool, Teen FamilyScape, the present study explores how changes in the mix of contraceptive methods used by teens contributed to the decline in the U.S. teen pregnancy rate between 2002 and 2010. Results indicate that changes in contraceptive use contributed to approximately half of the decline in the teen pregnancy rate during this time period (48%) and that a little more than half of this “contraceptive effect” was due to an increase in teen condom use (58%). The remaining share of the contraceptive effect can be attributed to an increase in the use of more effective hormonal (pill, patch, ring) and long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC)/injectable methods (Intrauterine Devices (IUD), implant and injectable). Results from an additional counterfactual analysis suggest that the contraceptive effect was driven by the fact that the percentage of teens using no birth control fell during the study time period, rather than by the fact that some teens switched from less effective methods (condoms) to more effective hormonal and LARC/injectable methods.
    [Show full text]
  • Sex Education and Teenage Pregnancy in the Niger Delta: Implications for Secondary School Biology Curriculum in Nigeria
    http://wje.sciedupress.com World Journal of Education Vol. 5, No. 3; 2015 Sex Education and Teenage Pregnancy in the Niger Delta: Implications for Secondary School Biology Curriculum in Nigeria Marie Onovroghene Salami1,* 1Department of Science and Technology Education, Faculty of Education, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria *Correspondence: Department of Science and Technology Education, Faculty of Education, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. E-mail: [email protected] Received: February 5, 2015 Accepted: April 3, 2015 Online Published: May 12, 2015 doi:10.5430/wje.v5n3p73 URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5430/wje.v5n3p73 Abstract Previous studies show that when Nigerian adolescent girls, especially those in the Niger Delta, become pregnant they drop out of school and may never go back again but become low level labourers or miscreants to the society. This study investigated the extent of teenagers involvement in sex, pre-disposition of females to pregnancy in the Niger Delta of Nigeria, the level of readiness of parents to help their teenage daughters if they become pregnant, the level of sex education in secondary schools, the content and context of sex education in the Biology curriculum and how it is reflected in the National policy on education and also examined the need to review the policy vis-à-vis sex education. The study adopted a survey design using Likert-response questionnaires to elicit responses from students, parents, secondary school teenagers and Biology teachers. The results of the analysis using frequency counts, percentages, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that teenage pregnancy is on the increase in the Niger Delta, sex education is not given a place of priority in the Education National Policy, teachers shy away from teaching it in schools, parents do not support sex education in schools but there is an urgent need to incorporate it into the Biology curriculum.
    [Show full text]
  • Reducing Teenage Pregnancy
    REDUCING TEENAGE PREGNANCY Although the rate of teenage pregnancy in the United In 2009, recognizing that evidence-based sex States is at its lowest level in nearly 40 years, it education programs were effective in promoting remains one of the highest among the most developed sexual health among teenagers, the Obama countries in the world. Approximately 57.4 per 1,000 administration transferred funds from the women aged 15–19 — nearly 615,000 American Community-based Abstinence Education Program teenagers — become pregnant each year (Kost and and budgeted $114.5 million to support evidence- Henshaw, 2014). The majority of these pregnancies — based sex education programs across the country. 82 percent — are unintended (Finer & Zolna, 2014). The bulk of the funds — $75 million — was set aside for replicating evidence-based programs that Moreover, because the average age of menarche have been shown to reduce teen pregnancy and its has reached an all-time low of about 12 or 13 years underlying or associated risk factors. The balance old (Potts, 1990), and because six out of 10 young was set aside for developing promising strategies, women have sex as teenagers (Martinez et al., 2011), technical assistance, evaluation, outreach, and most teenage girls are at risk of becoming pregnant. program support (Boonstra, 2010). This was the The consequences of adolescent pregnancy and first time federal monies were appropriated for more childbearing are serious and numerous: comprehensive sex education programs (SIECUS, n.d.). • Pregnant teenagers are more likely than women Though off to a good start, none of these initiatives who delay childbearing to experience maternal can succeed without a general reassessment of the illness, miscarriage, stillbirth, and neonatal death attitudes and mores regarding adolescent sexuality (Luker, 1996).
    [Show full text]
  • Tips for Dealing with a Teenage Pregnancy
    Tips for Dealing with a Teenage Pregnancy: Discovering that your child is pregnant or has gotten someone pregnant can cause you to feel a wide range of emotions. This is normal. Consider the following tips to help you and your family move through this challenging time. It is normal to feel angry, disappointed and gets prenatal care, the better her chances overwhelmed. Just remember that your are for a healthy pregnancy. teenager needs you now more than ever. Being able to communicate with each other – When the baby is born, remember you are especially when emotions are running high – is the grandparent to that child. Not the essential to the health of your teen. parent. This may be especially difficult if they live with you, but it is important to Keep in mind that this is the pregnant teen’s support your son or daughter in parenting decision. Do your best to respect the decisions the newborn. that he or she makes. Help financially if you are able to, but also It may help to find a counselor to speak to encourage your son or daughter to find a your son or daughter. Sometimes it’s easier to part-time job and be as financially make decisions with the help of someone who responsible for the child as possible. This is is removed from the situation. sometimes very difficult for a full-time student and parent, but in the long run it will be best for the new family. If you are the parent of the young woman, encourage the involvement of the baby’s father and his family.
    [Show full text]
  • Prevention of Teen Pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Diseases
    Prevention of Teen Pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Diseases 2020 Pursuant to ACT 534 2014 Regular Session Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction and Background ..................................................................................... 3 2.0 Data ........................................................................................................................... 3 3.0 Programs Available Through the Department of Health ............................................. 6 4.0 Programs Available Through the Department of Children & Family Services…………10 5.0 Programs Available Through the Department of Education…………………………….11 6.0 Recommendations…………………………………………………………………………..13 2 1.0 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND As required by ACT 534 of the 2014 Regular Session, the state superintendent of education, secretary of the Department of Children and Family Services, and the secretary of the Department of Health shall review and evaluate the effectiveness of current state programs, including but not limited to sex education provided by public schools, aimed at reducing the rate of teen pregnancy and preventing the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases among youth of Louisiana. The state superintendent of education, the secretary of the Department of Children and Family Services, and the secretary of the Department of Health and Hospitals shall review and evaluate any programs that are available for implementation in Louisiana to educate the youth of Louisiana about the importance of preventing teen pregnancy and the spread
    [Show full text]
  • The Problem of Teenage Pregnancy Martha Cole Mcgrew, MD, and William B
    Family Practice Grand Rounds The Problem of Teenage Pregnancy Martha Cole McGrew, MD, and William B. Shore, MD Albuquerque, New Mexico, and San Francisco, California DR MARTHA McGREW (Family Practice Faculty De­ Using trends from the previous 10 years, it was estimated velopment Fellow, University o f California, San Francisco)-. that among women aged 15 to 19 years, there were Adolescent pregnancy continues to be one o f the most 837,000 pregnancies in 1988; among those teenagers 14 difficult issues that teenagers, their families, and commu­ years old or younger, there were 23,000 pregnancies. O f nities face today. It affects us all in some way. The these teenage pregnancies, 75% of those in 15 to 19- teenage mothers or fathers are often unprepared for year-olds were resolved outside o f marriage, and nearly parenthood and drop out o f school, taking low-paying all of those in younger teenagers were resolved outside of jobs and never completing their education. The teenag­ marriage. Only 16% o f pregnancies to teenagers were ers’ parents are often thrust into the role of raising two intended. Thirty-two percent o f unintended pregnancies children—the teenager and his or her child. Further, they to all women occur in adolescents. Fifty-five percent find themselves stressed emotionally and economically at (463,000) o f the pregnancies in teenagers will result in a time when they were looking forward to their children birth, 9000 of these births to girls under the age o f 15 becoming self-sufficient. Our medical system is also chal­ years.
    [Show full text]
  • Current Evidence, Lessons Learned and Best Practices in Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention in Latin America and the Caribbean
    International Interagency Meeting: Current Evidence, Lessons Learned and Best Practices in Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention in Latin America and the Caribbean March 17-19, 2014 Managua, Nicaragua Internationa FINAL REPORT 0 TABLE OF CONTENT Acronyms ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3 I. Introduction ……………………………………………………………………….……………………………………….. 5 II. Meeting Objectives …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 7 III. Shared prosperity and adolescent pregnancy ……………………………………………………………. 8 IV. Panel 1: Current Situation of Adolescent Pregnancy and its Major Risk Factors and Social Determinants in the LAC Region …………………………………. 9 V. Panel 2: Strategies oF Sexual and Reproductive Health oF Adolescents, Including the Prevention oF Teen Pregnancy …………………………………………. 13 VI. Special Presentation: Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Using the Health Impact Pyramid ……………………………………………………………………………….. 16 VII. Panel 3: Lessons Learned and Best Practices in Addressing the Socio-economic Determinants to Prevent Teen Pregnancies ……………………………... 18 VIII. Panel 4: Strengthening the Regulatory Environment to Prevent Teen Pregnancy ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 20 IX. Special Presentation: Current Evidence in First and Second Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention ……………………………………………………………………………. 23 X. Panel 5A: State oF the Art in Comprehensive Sexual Education and Community Interventions in Latin America and the Caribbean …………………………. 25 XI. Panel 5B. State oF the Art in Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Services ……………………………………………………………………………………
    [Show full text]
  • Teen Pregnancy and Sexual Assault
    CO MMUN ITY TEEN PREGNANCY & CR ISIS CE N TER, INC. SEXUAL ASSAULT This material is copyrighted and published by the Connecticut Sexual Assault Crisis Services, Inc.. You may download this document for your personal use. Web-published with permission. Teen Pregna ncy and S exual Assault Teenage pregnancy is a misunderstood issue. Recently, we have begun to recognize the reality of the lives of teenage girls and make important connections between teenage pregnancy and sexual abuse, particularly in the following areas: • Pregnant teenagers have experienced a higher than average incidence of sexual assault. • The vast majority of babies born to teenage mothers are fathered by adult men, not teenage boys. Teenage Pregnancy and S exual Assault • 62% of pregnant and parenting adolescents had experienced contact molestation, attempted rape, or rape prior to their first pregnancy. (Boyer & Fine, 1993) • 61% of pregnant teenagers had had an unwanted sexual experience. (Gershenson et. al., 1989) • 74% of women who had intercourse before age 14 report a history of forced sexual intercourse. (Alan Guttmacher Institute, 1994) • Between 11% and 20% of girls were pregnant as a direct result of rape. (Boyer & Fine, 1993) • 23% of women who were victimized were pregnant by their perpetrator. (Gershenson et. al., 1989) • Girls who were victimized prior to their first pregnancy were more likely than girls not abused to: o have voluntary intercourse earlier o use or have problems with drugs or alcohol or to have sex partners who use drugs or alcohol o have sex partners who are older o have had an abortion o have second and third pregnancies o have been in a violent relationship o have experienced emotional abuse or physical maltreatment in childhood o have experienced repeated victimization in the past year o have had a sexually transmitted disease.
    [Show full text]