Socioeconomic Disadvantage as a Social Determinant of Teen Childbearing in the U.S.

Abstract

Objective. We reviewed the literature focused on socioeconomic influences on teen childbearing and suggested directions for future research and practice related to this important indicator of teen sexual health.

Reduced Disparities in Birth Rates Among Teens Aged 15–19 Years — United States, 2006–2007 and 2013–2014

“…During 1991-2014, the birth rate among teens aged 15-19 years in the United States declined 61%, from 61.8 to 24.2 births per 1,000, the lowest rate ever recorded (3). Nonetheless, in 2014, the teen birth rate remained approximately twice as high for Hispanic and non-Hispanic black (black) teens compared with non-Hispanic white (white) teens (3), and geographic and socioeconomic disparities remain (3,4), irrespective of race/ethnicity. Social determinants associated with teen childbearing (e.g., low parental educational attainment and limited opportunities for education and employment) are more common in communities with higher proportions of racial and ethnic minorities (4), contributing to the challenge of further reducing disparities in teen births.…”

“…Nonetheless, in 2014, the teen birth rate remained approximately twice as high for Hispanic and non-Hispanic black (black) teens compared with non-Hispanic white (white) teens (3), and geographic and socioeconomic disparities remain (3,4), irrespective of race/ethnicity. Social determinants associated with teen childbearing (e.g., low parental educational attainment and limited opportunities for education and employment) are more common in communities with higher proportions of racial and ethnic minorities (4), contributing to the challenge of further reducing disparities in teen births. To examine trends in births for teens aged 15-19 years by race/ethnicity and geography, CDC analyzed National Vital Statistics System (NVSS) data at the national (2006)(2007)(2008)(2009)(2010)(2011)(2012)(2013)(2014), state (2006-2007 and 2013-2014), and county (2013-2014) levels.…”

A Review of the Social Determinants of Health - Income Inequality and Education Inequality: Why Place Matters in U.S. Teenage Pregnancy Rates

“…While all determinants are relevant, scientist identified the longstanding impact of inadequate income on health outcomes in measurements of life expectancy and disparities in mortality and morbidity. In examining diverse ways to measure income, albeit socioeconomic status, neighbourhood level income inequality, underemployment, or low education levels, teen births demonstrated a strong association on all levels [8].…”

<b>Social portrayal of nourishment and repercussions in nutritional habits of pregnant adolescents

“…It is noteworthy that the economic situation of the adolescent family's, translated by the family income, is described as an important factor for pregnancy during this period, and this often unwanted pregnancy can maintain the low socioeconomic status (Dias & Teixeira, 2010;Penman-Aguilar, Carter, Snead, & Kourtis, 2013) Another aspect found was the variety of food as a proper diet, however, food consumption was still handicapped by poor socioeconomic condition, as shown below: [...] It is really hard for me to eat fruits, I like, but it is difficult because we do not have much money (G5).…”