The Role of Mental Health Factors, Behavioral Factors, and Past Experiences in the Prediction of Rapid Repeat Pregnancy in Adolescence

Abstract

Purpose This study investigates the predictors of rapid repeat pregnancy (subsequent pregnancy within 24 months of previous pregnancy outcome) in a sample of urban adolescents. Methods Adolescents aged 12 to 19 years (N = 354) who were predominantly African American (94.1%) completed individual interviews during pregnancy and at 24 months post-partum. Logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between mental health factors, behavioral factors, and negative life experiences in the prediction of rapid repeat pregnancy. Results Forty-two percent (N = 147) of adolescents reported a rapid repeat pregnancy. Baseline reports of later age at menarche (12.43 vs. 11.91; p = .003) and a greater likelihood of aggression were significantly associated with having a rapid repeat pregnancy within 24 months. Age at menarche and self reported aggression contributed independently to the prediction of a closely spaced second pregnancy (p<.05). Conclusions It is suggested that pubertal onset and individual mental health as it relates to measures of aggression should be considered when developing programs targeting adolescents at highest risk for rapid repeat pregnancy.

Depressive Symptoms and Violence Exposure: Contributors to Repeat Pregnancies Among Adolescents

“…Crittenden, Bovis, Rice, Taylor, and Olds (2009) examined the influence of an attitude or culture of violence on repeat pregnancy. Nearly half (41.5%) of the responding adolescents (n 5 345), ages 12-19 years, who reported a need to use physical force to settle differences and show importance, experienced a repeat pregnancy within 24 months of a previous birth (Crittenden et al, 2009). …”

Risk factors associated with mental health issues in adolescents: a integrative review

“…Suffered aggression and physical violence (13,23,29,36,41,48,58) Sexual abuse experience evolving life threatening and physical injuries (13,22,41,43,51,53) Gangs involvement (20,61) Social contact problems and rules violation (25,59) Legal problems, involvement with auto accidents and violent acts practice (59,61) To be not working or studying (12) High frequency of exposition to community violence, theft, assault and firearms use (13) To be institutionalized or living in a shelter (13) Urban poverty (47) 32.0 …”

“…HIV vertical transmition (40,42,(45)(46) Grave sexual violence (13,29,51) HIV risk behaviors (20,43,46) Early sexual activity (42) Problems to adhere to antiretroviral treatment (42) 16.9 function in its psychic structuring. The family relationships containing affection and good communication are protection factors determinants to the adolescent mental health (31) .…”

Social predictors of repeat adolescent pregnancy and focussed strategies

“…Associations have been found between repeat adolescent pregnancy and: aggression 54 early age of first pregnancy [55][56][57] having planned the first pregnancy .…”