Program Reduces Pregnancy Among High-Risk Teens

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Program Reduces Pregnancy Among High-Risk Teens

A California program aimed at reducing early sexual activity, teen pregnancy and childbearing among an especially high-risk group, siblings of pregnant and parenting teens, is examined in "An Evaluation of California's Adolescent Sibling Pregnancy Prevention Program," by Patricia East of the University of California, San Diego, et al. Participation in the program was effective at reducing several pregnancy-related risk behaviors: After nine months of participation, young women were less likely than their peers who were not in the program to skip school or to begin having sex, and young men were more likely than those in a comparison group to use contraceptives consistently. Most significantly young women in the program were 43% less likely to become pregnant than those who did not participate.
See http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/journals/3506203.html

The article is published in the March/April issue of Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, which also includes:

"Family Planning Providers' Perspectives on Dual Protection," by Joanne Mantell of the New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University et al., which describes how providers balance concerns about protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and unintended pregnancy. Dual protection can be achieved in three ways: by use of a male or female condom alone, by use of a condom along with a nonbarrier contraceptive, or by use of effective contraception in the context of long-term mutual monogamy.  Providers may need additional training to suggest a fuller range of options and help their patients effectively reduce their risk of STD and unintended pregnancy.
See http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/journals/3507103.html

"Evaluation of the Efficacy of a Nonlatex Condom: Results from a Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial," by Terri Walsh of the California Family Health Council et al., which reports on a clinical trial to determine the effectiveness of a new nonlatex, nonpolyurethane condom. The authors conclude that although the condoms studied were more likely to slip or break than latex condoms, they provide substantial protection against unwanted pregnancies and infections, and represent a viable option for individuals who cannot use latex condoms.
See http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/journals/3507903.html

"Preventing Sexual Risk Behaviors and Pregnancy Among Teenagers: Linking Research and Programs," by Debra Kalmuss of Columbia University et al., which attempts to bridge the gap between research and programs in order to find ways to further reduce risky behavior among teens while maintaining the progress that has been made in reducing teen sexual activity, pregnancy and childbearing and in increasing contraceptive use.  The authors identify critical programmatic issues that hinder success in reducing adolescent risk-taking and outline a set of specific research questions raised by these issues. 
See http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/journals/3508703.html

"The Measurement and Meaning of Unintended Pregnancy," in which John Santelli of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention et al., explore the concept of unintended pregnancy, how the term is defined and measured, and the contradictions that exist within current assessments of pregnancy intention. A more accurate measurement of pregnancy intention, they contend, would help improve public health and prevention programs aimed at promoting women's ability to determine whether and when to have children.
See http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/journals/3509403.html

All current and archived articles from Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health can be downloaded from The Alan Guttmacher Institute's Web site, http://www.guttmacher.org. To subscribe to Perspectives, visit our Web site and choose "buy," or call 800-765-7514.