The Role of Mental Health Factors, Behavioral Factors, and Past Experiences in the Prediction of Rapid Repeat Pregnancy in Adolescence
Received 12 November 2007; accepted 24 May 2008. published online 20 October 2008.
Refers to article:
Confronting the Intendedness of Adolescent Rapid Repeat Pregnancy
Cynthia Rosengard
Journal of Adolescent Health
January 2009 (Vol. 44, Issue 1, Pages 5-6) Full Text |
Full-Text PDF (206 KB)
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigates the predictors of rapid repeat pregnancy (subsequent pregnancy within 24 months of previous pregnancy outcome) in a sample of urban adolescents.
Methods
Adolescents aged 12–19 years (N = 354) who were predominantly African-American (94.1%) completed individual interviews during pregnancy and at 24 months postpartum. Logistic regression was used to determine the relationship among mental health factors, behavioral factors, and negative life experiences in the prediction of rapid repeat pregnancy.
Results
Of the adolescents, 42% (n = 147) of adolescents reported a rapid repeat pregnancy. Baseline reports of later age at menarche (12.43 vs. 11.91; p = .003) and a greater likelihood of aggression were significantly associated with having a rapid repeat pregnancy within 24 months. Age at menarche and self-reported aggression contributed independently to the prediction of a closely spaced second pregnancy (p < .05).
Conclusions
It is suggested that pubertal onset and individual mental health as it relates to measures of aggression should be considered when developing programs targeting adolescents at highest risk for rapid repeat pregnancy.
aDepartment of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
bDepartment of Psychiatry and Neurology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
cDepartment of Biostatistics, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
dDepartment of Community Health Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
ePrevention Research Center for Family and Child Health, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado
Address correspondence to: Colleen P. Crittenden, Dr. P.H., Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, 1520 Clifton Road NE, Room 132, Atlanta, GA 30322
ABSTRACT