Teenage Pregnancy in Latino Communities: Young Adult Experiences and Perspectives of Sociocultural Factors

Abstract

Racial and ethnic inequities persist in teenage pregnancy rates, prompting examinations of how to provide better attuned teen pregnancy prevention in key affected communities. The current study focused on sociocultural factors of teen pregnancy in Latino communities, using in-depth, semi-structured qualitative interviews to elicit the experiences and perspectives of young adult Latino/as (some who prevented and others who directly experienced teen pregnancy in their own lives). Using a grounded theory approach to data analysis, avoiding teen pregnancy emerged as related to 7 facets of youth experience. Findings offer a critical window into the complex interplay of these experiences in Latino teens' lives, particularly when using a gender-sensitive lens. Implications and future research directions are discussed.Authors' note. The authors gratefully acknowledge the team of MSW candidates from the University of Maryland School of Social Work who assisted with participant recruitment and data collection.

Economic Vulnerability among Girls at Risk for Adolescent Pregnancy: Qualitative Findings among a Clinic Sample of Girls Residing in the U.S.–Mexico Border Region

“…In the U.S., research to identify the risk factors explaining high rates of adolescent pregnancy disproportionately affecting racial/ethnic minorities, including Latinas, have largely focused on social and cultural factors that influence girls' pregnancy intentions and decisions regarding the use of contraception, as well as girls' sexual and reproductive decision-making control in relationships [10,11]. Norms supportive of adolescent or early pregnancy and negative attitudes towards condom and other contraceptive use have been highlighted as important contributors to adolescent pregnancy [12,13]. Furthermore, intimate partner violence (IPV), which has been reported in up to 20% of adolescent girls, is associated with reduced sexual/reproductive autonomy (i.e., sexual and contraceptive decision-making power) among girls, and in turn, increases risk for both STI and pregnancy [14].…”

How accurately can we predict repeat teen pregnancy based on social ecological factors?

“…Studies have found Hispanic/Latina mothers to be more likely to have a repeat pregnancy than other racial/ethnic groups (Patel et al, 1997; Pfitzner et al, 2003), so it is particularly important to understand predictors of teen pregnancy for these mothers (Bouris et al, 2012). Although Hispanic/Latino mothers in the United States are diverse in terms of their country of origin, access to resources, and history and experiences (Beaglehole, 2003; Pew Hispanic Center, 2009), “there appear to be some shared traditional values and experiences in the U.S. Latino population that affect teenage pregnancy, such as the value of motherhood and the influence of family and family communication” (Aparicio et al, 2016, p. 2). These values may mean that some predictors of repeat pregnancy are unique among this group.…”

Theory of Planned Behavior: A Conceptual Framework. Exploring Rural Mexican Parent/Adolescent Communication

“…Research on parent/adolescent communication has focused on youth perceptions [15]. Studies on parental perspectives have investigated mother-daughter versus father-son communication on sexuality [15,16].…”

“…Research on parent/adolescent communication has focused on youth perceptions [15]. Studies on parental perspectives have investigated mother-daughter versus father-son communication on sexuality [15,16]. While research on paternal communication about sexuality with teenage sons has increased, less is known about paternal interaction that prevent risky behavior among daughters and sons in Hispanic families especially in rural areas [17].…”

“…Despite their intention to talk with their adolescents, many Hispanic parents feel it is difficult or uncomfortable to discuss risky behavior [2,20]. Such discussions are frequently gender focused, in order to communicate gender appropriate sexual beliefs and behaviors [15,21]. Few studies have included Mexican male perspectives [19,[21][22][23].…”