Differences in health behaviors and parenting knowledge between pregnant adolescents and parenting adolescents.
To better understand the differences between pregnant adolescents and parenting adolescents, we examined substance use, contraceptive behavior, and parenting knowledge among 91 first-time pregnant and parenting adolescents enrolled in an adolescent parenting case management program. After one year of program participation, pre- and post-test comparisons indicated improvements in contraception use and parenting knowledge, and increases in reported use of cigarettes, alcohol and other drugs among both groups. Adolescents who entered the program while pregnant experienced greater benefit than adolescents who entered the program already parenting. We discuss several implications for practitioners at both the programmatic and direct practice level who work with young women during pregnancy and as they transition to early parenthood.
Sangalang
Bernadette B
BB
University of Hawaii, School of Scocial Work, 1800 East West Road, Henke Hall #215-D, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA.
Rounds
Kathleen
K
D000293:Adolescent; D019090:Case Management; D003268:Contraception Behavior; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D009035:Mothers / Q000193:education*; D016487:Parenting / Q000523:psychology*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy; D011253:Pregnancy in Adolescence / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D037841:Pregnant People / Q000523:psychology; D011295:Prenatal Care; D011635:Public Health Administration; D012309:Risk-Taking; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control