Abstract

Adolescents are becoming sexually active at increasingly younger ages despite the well-known health risks. The adolescent pregnancy rate in the United States has been considered the highest of any country in the Western world. The purpose of this study was to identify, examine, and describe family relationships, race and ethnic origin, and sexuality education in pregnant adolescents. Pender's Health Promotion Model was used as the theoretical framework to guide this descriptive study. Data were collected from a convenience sample of 30 pregnant adolescents who received prenatal care at three local obstetricians' health care clinics in Northeast Mississippi. Participants were surveyed using the Teenage Pregnancy and Parenting Program Questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Data analysis revealed that most of the pregnant adolescents were never married and still lived with their parent(s). Positive relationships were identified with the mother of the pregnant adolescent more often than with the father. Results also revealed that more than half of the pregnant adolescents had received sexuality education prior to becoming pregnant, and that only 30% utilized some form of contraceptive at the time of conception. Further research is recommended with a larger more diverse sample to also include the male adolescent because they too need to be identified as individuals at increased risk associated with adolescent sexual activity.

Degree

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Department

Graduate Nursing

Degree Date

8-1-1996

Publication Number

27924612

First Advisor

Dr. Bonnie E. Lockard

Second Advisor

Dr. Linda Sullivan

Third Advisor

Carol Vinzant

Document Type

Thesis

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