Risk factors for unintended versus intended rapid repeat pregnancies among adolescents

Whereas previous research has elucidated a number of risk factors for rapid repeat pregnancies among adolescents, we sought to assess both established and hypothetical risk factors in the context of the intendedness of the repeat pregnancy.

The study population, drawn from the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG), consisting of women who experienced at least one pregnancy as an adolescent, were interviewed at least 24 months since that pregnancy's resolution and were aged 30 years and younger at the time of the NSFG interview. To evaluate the effect of various predictor variables on the intendedness of a rapid repeat pregnancy, we constructed a polytomous multiple logistic regression model. Outcomes are reported as ratios of odds ratios (ROR) and were calculated using women experiencing an adolescent pregnancy, but not a rapid repeat pregnancy, as the reference group.

In the 2002 NSFG, 34% of the adolescents experiencing a rapid repeat pregnancy reported such pregnancies to be intended. Although young age (< or = 15 years) at first conception was associated with a decreased likelihood of an unintended rapid repeat pregnancy, racial/ethnic characteristics as well as characteristics of the teen's mother (educational status and young age of the teen's mother at first birth) were not associated with either intended or unintended rapid repeat pregnancies. Factors found to be associated with an increased likelihood of having an intended repeat pregnancy included an intended first pregnancy, prior poor obstetrical outcome, and having the repeat pregnancy intended by the teen's partner. Being married at the time of second conception was associated with a decreased likelihood of an unintended rapid repeat pregnancy.

Consideration of the intendedness of repeat pregnancies among teenagers could help create more appropriate and effective family planning interventions.