Significant Reduction of Repeat Teen Pregnancy in a Comprehensive Young Parent Program

Abstract 

Objective

To describe a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to teen mothers and their children that significantly reduces repeat pregnancies.

Design

Retrospective review of repeat teen pregnancy data.

Setting

Young Parent Program (YPP) at a university-based health center.

Participants

1386 teen mothers between the ages of 11 and 19 who participated in the YPP for at least three years.

Intervention

Comprehensive Care: for both teen mother and her baby, including prenatal and postnatal care, preventive care, reproductive services, mental health, and acute care visits. Family counseling and similar services were also provided to siblings of the teen.

Continuity of Care

Patients are seen by the same staff and attending physicians on each visit. The treatment team includes physicians, nurses, social worker, nutritionist, and psychologist, all of whom are available to provide care at each visit. Flexible hours: Including evening clinic to allow teens to attend school or work during the day. Financial incentive: Patients with no insurance are given free contraceptives and a “no charge” clinic visit. Extensive contraceptive counseling is provided prior to start of contraceptive use and at every clinic visit. Routine telephone and/or mail reminders of appointments

Main Outcome Measure

Rate of repeat teen pregnancy.

Results

Only 11(.79%) had repeat pregnancies. Older youth appeared more likely to repeat a pregnancy.

Conclusion

Comprehensive intervention for teen mothers can be very successful in reducing repeat teen pregnancy in those teens who participate consistently in the program over a period of years.

Key Words: Repeat teen pregnancy, Teen-tot programs, Adolescent pregnancy, Teen pregnancy prevention