A Latent Class Analysis: Identifying Pregnancy Intention Classes Among U.S. Adolescents

Psychosocial impact of dental aesthetics in adolescent : an evaluation of a latent profile and its associated risk factors

BACKGROUND

The psychosocial impact of dental aesthetics (PIDA) has a significant effect on well-being and quality of life. This study aimed to explore the latent heterogeneous classes of the PIDA among adolescents and investigate the relationships among identified subtypes and sociodemographic variables, the status of left-behind children, and the clinical manifestations of malocclusion.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study on the PIDA among 1451 adolescents aged 11 to 12 years in elementary schools in a rural area in Guangxi, China, was conducted. The PIDA on adolescents was also investigated via latent profile analysis; each predictor was tested via ordinal logistic regression.

RESULTS

Three latent classes for the PIDA were identified: low-risk (48.2%), medium-risk (39.8%), and high-risk (11.9%) groups. There were significant differences among the three latent classes. The results revealed that being female, The duration of maternal employment outside the hometown, the largest anterior maxillary irregularity, the largest anterior mandibular irregularity, and the antero-posterior molar relationship (ORs of 1.737, 1.138, 1.117, 1.157, and OR = 1.242; P < 0.001, < 0.01, < 0.01, < 0.01 and < 0.05, respectively) had significant effects on the PIDA on adolescents.

CONCLUSIONS

The occlusal features, being female and the duration of maternal employment outside the hometown are risk factors that influence the PIDA on adolescents. This provides an evidence for improving the PIDA status among rural adolescents.

Reproductive Justice as an Alternative to the Pregnancy Planning Paradigm for Teens

In this critical commentary, we describe the many limitations of the pregnancy planning paradigm as applied to pregnant and parenting teens. We describe how this paradigm, in characterizing pregnancies as intended or unintended, has shaped campaigns to prevent teen pregnancy and remains largely embedded in formal sex education and family planning programs in the United States. We argue that a paradigm shift is long overdue and describe how the reproductive justice framework addresses the limitations of the pregnancy planning paradigm. Although reproductive justice is endorsed by a growing number of organizations, recommended policies face formidable obstacles given that comprehensive sex education, contraception, and legal abortion are increasingly at risk in a post-Dobbs world.

A 3-year Retrospective Review of Contraceptive Initiation, Continuation, Switching, and Pregnancy Among Adolescents and Young Adults

PURPOSE

To understand contraceptive use patterns (initiation, switching, discontinuation) as well as associations with pregnancy in adolescents and young adults attending a teen family planning clinic.

METHODS

We performed a chart review of adolescent and young adult patients (ages 12-20) attending a teen family planning clinic in Atlanta, GA between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2019. Using a standardized abstraction form with quality controls, we collected available data on contraceptive methods used and pregnancy test results during the 3-year period. We analyzed contraceptive use patterns descriptively. We calculated and compared pregnancy incidence according to different contraceptive switch patterns.

RESULTS

Our sample included 2,798 individuals who initiated 2,358 prescribed methods. The most commonly prescribed methods of contraception were the contraceptive injection (28.3%), etonogestrel implant (23.5%) and combined hormonal pill (23.2%). There were 599 discontinuations of prescribed methods; side effects like bleeding and headache were the most cited reasons for discontinuation. Most (75.8%) initiated a moderately or highly effective method after discontinuing a moderately or highly effective method. The incidence rate of pregnancy was highest for those who had discontinued an intrauterine device or implant and started a shorter-acting contraceptive method.

DISCUSSION

Employing patient-centered contraceptive counseling that incorporates contraceptive experiences in addition to facts and allows for exploration and change may be valuable for young people. Successful navigation of contraceptive switches may require additional attention, education, and strategy, which could include hypothetical problem solving, close follow-up, and telehealth or virtual care.