Knowledge, attitudes and behaviors related to sexuality and family planning in adolescent women with and without diabetes

Abstract

Having diabetes did not appear to significantly decrease the risk-taking behavior of the teens. Early and some unsafe sexual practices may increase their risk for an unplanned pregnancy that could result in pregnancy-related complications. Enhancing awareness, knowledge, and attitudes through preconception counseling and reproductive health education may reduce these risks by empowering young women to plan healthy future pregnancies.

Periconceptional Risk Factors for Birth Defects among Younger and Older Teen Mothers

“…Our finding of prepregnancy BMI in the overweight or obese range among teens (29%) was similar to that reported in NHANES (30-32% of females aged [12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19]. 32 However, in the present study, the youngest group (ages 13-15) reported prepregnancy mean BMI approximately one-half of their older counterparts.…”

“…14,15 However, virtually all studies of preconception health treat teens as a single stratum, and only occasionally are younger teens represented in these studies. 16e18 Although there are notable exceptions, 12,19 scant attention has been directed to preconception behaviors and exposures among the youngest mothers and whether they differ from older teens. Finally, the extent to which pregnancy intention exerts a similar influence among teens has not been explored.…”

Ovulation rate in adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

“…In addition, these patients have a lower level of education regarding prenatal care (23). Charron-Prochownik et al (23) recently studied attitudes regarding sexuality and family planning in adolescent girls with T1D. They found that these patients believed that they were only moderately susceptible to becoming pregnant, so most did not exhibit protective family planning behaviors.…”

“…In addition, these patients have a lower level of education regarding prenatal care (23). Charron-Prochownik et al (23) recently studied attitudes regarding sexuality and family planning in adolescent girls with T1D.…”

Preconception care for women with diabetes and prevention of major congenital malformations

“…Innovative research is needed to determine the methods of eliminating the barriers and achieving these goals (Charron-Prochownik et al, 2006a, 2006b, 2006cCothran et al, 2009;Fischl et al, 2010), including motivation offered by health care payers. An obvious need in many localities is health insurance coverage for all women with diabetes, in advance of pregnancy.…”