Health-risk behaviors in a sample of first-time pregnant adolescents.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to assess the frequency of prenatal health-risk behaviors (substance use, sexual risk taking, and prenatal class attendance) among a nonrandom sample of first-time pregnant adolescents.


METHODS
The design is descriptive.


METHODS
145 ethnically diverse first-time pregnant adolescents aged 15-18 years.


METHODS
Health behavior questions modified from the Center for Disease Control's Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System.


RESULTS
The health-risk behavior most modified during pregnancy was alcohol use (64/145 drank but quit and 1/145 did not quit). Of the 52/145 who used street drugs, nine continued despite pregnancy. Of the 75/145 who smoked early in pregnancy, 39 continued. The majority did not use a condom at last sexual intercourse. Approximately half attended a prenatal class and half attended a teen parenting class.


CONCLUSIONS
Health-risk behaviors captured by birth certificate data are thought to be underreported for all age groups, and the prevalence of health-risk behaviors in this sample of pregnant teens was often greater than the most recent national trend data available. The magnitude of the effects of health-risk behaviors on pregnancy outcomes necessitates improved data gathering to enhance planning and evaluation of research and interventions at community, system, and individual/family levels.
Kaiser
Margaret M
MM
College of Nursing, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985330 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5330, USA. mkaiser@unmc.edu
Hays
Bevely J
BJ
D000293:Adolescent; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010298:Parity; D011247:Pregnancy; D011253:Pregnancy in Adolescence; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology