"I got caught up in the game": generational influences on contraceptive decision making in African-American women.
OBJECTIVE
Reproductive health disparities are a significant issue for African-American adolescents. This study was designed to explore the cross-generational influences on adolescent sexuality in a cohort of daughters/granddaughters of U.S. born African-American women.


METHODS
Data were generated through interviews with triads of African-American women: grandmothers, and their daughters and granddaughters, to gain insight into the phenomena of early sexual debut, high rates of unintended pregnancies, HIV/AIDS, and other sexually transmitted infections from a cross-generational perspective.


CONCLUSIONS
Six themes emerged from the data: southern influences; a worldview of relationships; communication-key to preparedness; seeking information from mom; "I got caught up in the game"; and contraceptive use and beliefs. In this sample, mothers' and grandmothers' culture, values, and beliefs significantly influenced the adolescents' sexual and reproductive decision making.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinicians' knowledge of African-American culture, beliefs, and family values is key when providing guidance about contraception to these young women.
William F. Connell School of Nursing, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.
Allyssa L
AL
Harris
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D000368:Aged; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003268:Contraception Behavior / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology*; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016901:Intergenerational Relations / Q000208:ethnology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology; D055815:Young Adult
African American; decision making; sexuality; women's health