Childhood Abuse as a Risk Factor for Adolescent Pregnancy in El Salvador

Pregnancies in Young Adolescent Mothers: A Population-Based Study on 37 Million Births

“…5 Of concern, in more than one study, childhood sexual abuse has been found to increase the incidence of subsequent adolescent pregnancy. 8,9 Our study showed a decrease in the incidence of young adolescent pregnancies between the years 1995 and 2004. The decline in the incidence of young adolescent pregnancies demonstrated during this 10-year study period may be attributed to 2 main factors: increasing availability of contraceptives and increasing accessibility to therapeutic abortions.…”

Risk factors for pregnancy among adolescent girls in Ecuador's Amazon basin: a case-control study

“…However, early pregnancy is also perceived as a rite of passage-a pathway to adulthood that might bring positive consequences-and thus is desired in some contexts (4,(8)(9)(10). It may also be seen as an escape from abusive families (4,(8)(9)(10)(11).…”

“…Associated personal characteristics include behavioral problems, depression, low self-esteem, and poor self-control. Intimate partner violence (IPV) and past episodes of sexual abuse are also determinants (6,11).…”

Desire for Pregnancy and Risk Behavior in Young HIV-Positive Women

“…32 It is also possible that abuserelated reactions, such as difficulty with intimacy, trust, and satisfaction in adult relationships 33 may lead to an increased desire for childbearing, perhaps as a strategy for creating one's own family. 34,35 Our results showed an association between decreased disclosure of HIV status to family and friends, fewer living children, and DFP. A recent study of motivations for pregnancy in HIV-positive women determined that the desire to experience motherhood was the primary motivation for childbearing, followed by perceived partner desire to have a child.…”