Tobacco and alcohol use in adolescents with unplanned pregnancies: relation with family structure, tobacco and alcohol use at home and by friends

A Systematic Review of Household and Family Alcohol Use and Adolescent Behavioural Outcomes in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Exposure to alcohol misuse is considered an adverse childhood experience impacting on neurodevelopmental and behavioural outcomes in adolescents including substance use, mental illness, problem behaviours, suicidality, and teenage pregnancy. Most research on this issue has focussed on higher income countries, whereas patterns of alcohol use and related factors may be different in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This systematic review therefore seeks to collate all published studies from 1990-2020 on the topic set in LMICs. 43 studies were included, totalling 70,609 participants from 18 LMICs. Outcomes assessed included: substance use; depression/anxiety; suicidal ideation; problem behaviour; emotional dysfunction; teenage pregnancy; and self-harm. Despite heterogeneity in the studies identified, this review documented some association between exposure to household alcohol misuse and adverse adolescent outcomes in LMICs, including mental health problems, problem behaviours, and suicidality. The mechanisms leading to these outcomes are likely varied, and further research in different socio-economic and cultural contexts, particularly in the form of longitudinal studies, is called for.

Diagnostic indicators of risk-prone health behaviors in pregnant adolescents

PURPOSE

This study aimed to identify diagnostic indicators associated with the nursing diagnosis risk-prone health behaviors in pregnant adolescents.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 181 pregnant adolescents. A latent class analysis was conducted to verify associations between the defining characteristics of risk-prone health behaviors and diagnostic accuracy measures. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the manifestation of risk-prone health behavior.

FINDINGS

The prevalence of risk-prone health behaviors in this sample was 31.04%. The defining characteristics failure to take action that prevents health problems and inappropriate eating habits achieved a high sensitivity. The related factors such as insufficient social support, stressors, low self-efficacy, social anxiety, isolated region of residence, and restricted access to health services presented significant associations with risk-prone health behavior.

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnostic indicators associated with the nursing diagnosis of risk-prone health behavior were failure to take action that prevents health problems inappropriate eating habits, insufficient social support, stressors, low self-efficacy, social anxiety, isolated region of residence, and restricted access to health services.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

This study contributes to knowledge about the diagnostic indicators of risk-prone health behavior, which may help nurses reach the proper diagnosis. This will facilitate the application of clinical judgment in nursing care to assist pregnant adolescents.

Addressing Crises in Teenage Pregnancy

Background:

Adolescent pregnancy is a major public health concern with medical, psychiatric, and social implications. Within this population, there is an elevated rate of co-occurring psychiatric conditions including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, suicidality, and substance use. However, little is known about the assessment and treatment of adolescent pregnancy within the context of these co-occurring psychiatric conditions, particularly in an emergency situation.

Objective:

This article utilizes a case report to illustrate the challenges faced in consultative psychiatry in the assessment and treatment of a pregnant suicidal youth with a complex psychosocial history. Topics addressed include: 1) The role of childhood trauma and suicidality in adolescent pregnancy 2) A consideration of the risks and benefits of treating adolescents with psychotropics during pregnancy.

Method:

A literature search was performed with the key words of adolescent, pregnancy, child sexual abuse and psychiatric illness. In addition, expert opinions of a reproductive psychiatrist and a psychiatrist who had specialized in addiction and adolescents were enlisted on key aspects of the case formulation and treatment.

Results:

Several studies were found that focused on depression, substance abuse and trauma in adolescent pregnancy. There were more studies that looked at psychopharmacological treatment in adult pregnant women and a few that focused on adolescents.

Conclusion:

Addressing the crisis of psychiatric illness in adolescent pregnancy requires a thorough approach in understanding the severity of the illness and the contribution of child abuse and suicidality. Psychotherapeutic interventions are most certainly always necessary and beneficial when dealing with this population. Deciding when to start and maintain medication during pregnancy should be individualized, with considerations of the risks of untreated illness and of medication exposure.