Rapid repeat pregnancy among unmarried, African American adolescent parent couples

Teen pregnancy involvement among African, Caribbean and Black adolescent boys and girls: A scoping review

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to investigate the incidence, associated factors and interventions to address teen pregnancy involvement (TPI) among African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) adolescents in North America.

DESIGN

We conducted a scoping review of the literature, guided by the social-ecological model.

DATA SOURCES

Studies were retrieved from databases such as Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, CINAHL, CAB Direct and Google Scholar and imported into COVIDENCE for screening.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The Joanna Briggs Institute scoping reviews protocol guided the establishment of eligibility criteria. Included studies focused on rates, associated factors and interventions related to TPI among ACB boys and girls aged 10-19 in North America. The publication time frame was restricted to 2010-2023, encompassing both peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed studies with diverse settings.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Data were extracted from 32 articles using a form developed by the principal author, focusing on variables aligned with the research question.

RESULTS

The scoping review revealed a dearth of knowledge in Canadian and other North American literature on TPI in ACB adolescents. Despite an overall decline in teen pregnancy rates, disparities persist, with interventions such as postpartum prescription of long-acting birth control and teen mentorship programmes proving effective.

CONCLUSION

The findings highlight the need for increased awareness, research and recognition of male involvement in adolescent pregnancies. Addressing gaps in housing, employment, healthcare, sexual health education and health systems policies for marginalised populations is crucial to mitigating TPI among ACB adolescents.

IMPACT

The review underscores the urgent need for more knowledge from other North American countries, particularly those with growing ACB migrant populations.

Care of Adolescent Parents and Their Children

Teen pregnancy and parenting remain important public health issues in the United States and around the world. A significant proportion of teen parents reside with their families of origin, which may positively or negatively affect the family structure. Teen parents, defined as those 15 to 19 years of age, are at high risk for repeat births. Pediatricians can play an important role in the care of adolescent parents and their children. This clinical report updates a previous report on the care of adolescent parents and their children and addresses clinical management specific to this population, including updates on breastfeeding, prenatal management, and adjustments to parenthood. Challenges unique to teen parents and their children are reviewed, along with suggestions for the pediatrician on models for intervention and care.

Sociodemographic, sexual, and reproductive variables associated with pregnancy among adolescents from low socioeconomic background

Adolescent pregnancy remains a public health concern in both developed and developing countries. Portugal and Brazil represent some of the best examples of this phenomenon. The present study aimed to identify sociodemographic, sexual, and reproductive health-related variables associated with adolescent pregnancy among students from low socioeconomic backgrounds in both countries. The sample included 984 female adolescents, among whom 215 became pregnant. Living with a partner and lack of information about sex and contraception from the family were the best explicative factors for pregnancy occurrence in both countries. Country-specific variables were also identified. Our results may contribute to developing global preventive interventions, addressing the school as an ideal setting for primary intervention and considering culture-specific characteristics of high-risk populations.

Discordant pregnancy intentions in couples and rapid repeat pregnancy

BACKGROUND

Rapid repeat pregnancy (RRP) is a major problem in the United States. Few studies have explored the influence of partner agreement on pregnancy intention and RRP.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to examine the association between couple pregnancy intentions and RRP among women in the United States.

STUDY DESIGN

Data came from the 2006 through 2010 National Survey of Family Growth. Multiparous women who cohabited with 1 husband/partner before conception of second pregnancy were included (N = 3463). The outcome, RRP, was categorized as experiencing a second pregnancy within 24 months of the first pregnancy resolution, or ≥24 months from the first pregnancy resolution. Maternal and paternal pregnancy intentions were categorized into 4 dyads: both intended (M+P+); maternal intended and paternal unintended (M+P-); maternal unintended and paternal intended (M-P+); and both unintended (M-P-). Multiple logistic regression was conducted to determine the association between couple pregnancy intentions and RRP.

RESULTS

Nearly half (49.4%) of women had RRP. Approximately 15% of respondents reported discordant couple pregnancy intentions and 22%, maternal and paternal unintendedness. Compared to couples who both intended their pregnancy (M+P+), the odds of RRP was higher when fathers intended pregnancy but not mothers (adjusted odds ratio, 2.51; 95% confidence interval, 1.45-4.35) and lower if fathers did not intend pregnancy but mothers did (adjusted odds ratio, 0.77; 95% confidence interval, 0.70-0.85). No difference was observed between concordant couple pregnancy intentions (M-P- vs M+P+).

CONCLUSION

Findings highlight the important role of paternal intention in reproductive decisions. Study results suggest that RRP is strongly influenced by paternal rather than maternal pregnancy intentions. Clinicians and public health workers should involve partners in family planning discussions and counseling on optimal birth spacing.

Co-Parenting Relationship Experiences of Black Adolescent Mothers in Active Romantic Partnerships With the Fathers of Their Children

We conducted an interpretive description of co-parenting relationship experiences of romantically involved Black adolescent mothers and fathers with shared biological children. The study was conducted in Brooklyn, New York, using data from individual in-depth interviews with adolescent mothers and fathers (n = 10). Four themes were identified: (a) putting our heads together; (b) balancing childhood and parenthood; (c) less money, more problems; and (d) if we use condoms, it is for contraception. The co-parenting couples managed very complex relationships, but their mutual interest in the welfare of their children was a relational asset. Co-parents had sparse financial resources but used a moral economy strategy to provide mutual support. Future research is needed that focuses on identifying other co-parent relationship assets and integrating and evaluating their utility for enhancing interventions for adolescent families.