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Correlates of adolescent females' worry about undesired pregnancy.
the importance of partner desire for pregnancy.
Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology 2001;14(3):123-127.
Crosby RA, DiClemente RJ, Wingood GM, Sionean C, Cobb BK, Harrington
K, Davies SL, Hook EW, Oh MK.
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine correlates of worry
about pregnancy among a high-risk sample of low-income African-American adolescent
females. Specifically, we tested the hypothesis that perceived male partner
desire for pregnancy and level of sexual communication would be independently
associated with adolescent females' worry about becoming pregnant. DESIGN:
A survey of sexually active African-American adolescent females, 14-18 years
of age. SETTING: Recruitment was conducted in low-income neighborhoods of
Birmingham, Alabama, characterized by high rates of unemployment, substance
abuse, violence, and teen pregnancy. PARTICIPANTS: Adolescents (N = 522)
completed a survey and a face-to-face interview, and provided a urine specimen
for pregnancy testing. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Nonpregnant adolescents reporting
steady relationships with a male sex partner (over the past 6 months) and
indicating no immediate desire to become pregnant were included in the analysis
(n = 196). Two questionnaire items assessed level of worry about becoming
pregnant. RESULTS: Compared to adolescent females reporting their partner
did not desire pregnancy, those perceiving their partner desired pregnancy
were nearly three times more likely to experience high worry about becoming
pregnant (AOR = 2.85; P =.009). Engaging in sex unprotected by a condom was
an equally important correlate of high worry (AOR = 2.84; P =.013). Level
of communication between partners about pregnancy prevention was not significant.
CONCLUSIONS: Adolescent females may experience high worry about becoming
pregnant due to desires of their male partner as well as their recent sexual
risk behavior.
