Early Contraception Initiation in First Time Adolescent Mothers: Does it Decrease Rapid Repeat Pregnancy?

Teen pregnancy involvement among African, Caribbean and Black adolescent boys and girls: A scoping review

“…In this review, about 10.5%–50% of teen parents become pregnant again within a 2-year period. 27 32 The prevalence of reoccurrent pregnancy with no gap or minimum gap among teen parents highlights the need for targeted interventions addressing reproductive health and contraception education. Three studies provided rates of teen pregnancy in response to an intervention and found no statistical significance.…”

“…At an individual level, there are a multitude of factors that place teens at risk. Mental illness, 31 36 substance abuse, 36 37 40 43 47 age, 36 40 inadequate or incorrect use of birth control, 27 45 religious beliefs, 40 desire for pregnancy, 27 47 a lack of sex education 27 30 43 and socioeconomic status and poverty 1 6 7 38 50 are all risk factors for teen pregnancy. Mental illness can include instability in response to trauma, depression, anxiety or eating disorders.…”

“… 36 40 Teen pregnancy is associated with teens using barrier contraception, such as condoms, in replacement of a long-acting contraception method such as oral contraception or an intrauterine device. 27 45 Various religions commonly promote practising abstinence and do not equip teens with the information and resources for engaging in sexual activity, this leads to teen pregnancy when teens are not prepared or knowledgeable about safe sex practices. 40 Similarly, a lack of sex education puts teens in a vulnerable position to teen pregnancy.…”

“…17 Another study found that teens who had been non-compliant with their immediate postpartum care were more likely to experience a rapid repeat pregnancy within 2 years of a prior birth. 27 At a relationship level, a history of domestic or intimate partner abuse, 36 49 51 high-risk sexual activity, 37 41 44 relationships with an older male partner or cohabiting, 39 peer pressure or peers engaging in high-risk activities, 37 42 43 47 family members encouraging pregnancy, 43 45 50 no adult mentorship, 1 32 neighbourhood influence 15 29 53 and reproductive coercion 34 are all facilitators of teen pregnancy. A history of abuse by a family member or partner is a precursor for teen pregnancy, even if the abuse experienced is not sexual.…”

“…As such, the individual teen could be empowered to set achievable goals geared towards a focus on the future. 38 This intervention is possible through family and supportive community mentorship and educational programmes focused on reproductive health and sex education 27 Parents should develop a healthy, comfortable conversation around sex with their teens or establish collaborations with school-based programmes that embrace this conversation around sex to educate their teenagers on risky sexual behaviours. 30 Educational programmes should be developed that are age appropriate and all inclusive (girls and boys) to address issues of sex education and should be included in educational curriculums.…”