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Adolescent parenting: outcomes and maternal perceptions
P J Thompson1, M J Powell, R J Patterson
1College of Nursing, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock 72205, USA.
Objective:
To describe selected outcomes and maternal perceptions of adolescent parenting.
Design:
Qualitative and quantitative methods, interview, and two standardized instruments were combined in this follow-up study of adolescents who received perinatal services between 1985 and 1988.
Setting:
Data were collected in the mothers' homes.
Participants:
Mothers who were randomly selected for an earlier chart outcome audit (N = 98) and could be located (n = 19).
Main Outcome Measures:
Subsequent pregnancies; school completion; children's development, indicated by the Developmental Profile II (DPII); parental attitudes, indicated by the Adult-Adolescent Parenting Inventory (AAPI); and maternal perceptions.
Results:
Responses revealed irregular use of contraceptives as one reason for the initial pregnancy and for subsequent unplanned pregnancies. Sixteen mothers completed high school, and 18 intend to complete postsecondary programs. The DPII indicated age-appropriate development of the children. AAPI scores for 84% of the mothers indicated nonnurturing attitudes. Mothers described family support, motherhood, and their children.
Conclusions:
Research is needed with larger samples and to test interventions to promote regular use of contraception. Findings support the need for research-based programs to educate and promote the development of adolescent mothers and their children.