Adolescent pregnancy
Adolescent pregnancy is viewed as a high-risk situation because it poses serious health risks for the mother and the baby. Describe various risk factors or precursors to adolescent pregnancy. Research community and state resources devoted in adolescent pregnancy and describe at least two of these resources. Research the teen pregnancy rates for the last 10 years for your state and community. Has this rate increased or decreased? Discuss possible reasons for an increase or decrease.
Sample Answer
Risk Factors or Precursors to Adolescent Pregnancy
There are a number of risk factors or precursors to adolescent pregnancy. These include:
- Early sexual initiation: The earlier a young person begins having sex, the more likely they are to become pregnant.
- Lack of knowledge about contraception: Many young people do not have accurate knowledge about contraception, or they do not have access to contraceptive methods.
- Peer pressure: Young people may feel pressure to have sex from their peers, even if they are not ready.
- Substance abuse: Alcohol and drug use can impair judgment and increase the likelihood of risky sexual behavior.
- Poverty: Young people from low-income families are more likely to become pregnant than young people from high-income families. This is due to a number of factors, such as limited access to healthcare and education, exposure to violence, and lack of economic opportunities.
- Mental health problems: Young people with mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety, are at increased risk for pregnancy. This is because they may be more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior, or they may have difficulty accessing or using contraception.