Related Experiment Videos
Lessons learned from a mentoring program for teenage mothers
K K Havens1, D A Wagstaff, P A Mercer
1St. Luke's Family Practice Center, Milwaukee 53215, USA.
WMJ : Official Publication of the State Medical Society of Wisconsin
|November 22, 1997
Summary
A teen mentoring program did not reduce repeat pregnancies in young mothers. While educational progress was observed, 66-69% of participants experienced a subsequent pregnancy within 33 months.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent Health
- Reproductive Health
- Social Support Interventions
Background:
- Unmarried adolescent mothers face high risks of repeat pregnancies.
- Early intervention programs are crucial for supporting teen parents.
- Socioeconomic and psychological factors influence adolescent reproductive choices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a mentoring program's effectiveness in reducing repeat pregnancy among unmarried primiparous teens (ages 12-19).
- To assess the program's impact on sexual/contraceptive behavior, psychological adjustment, and school attitudes.
Main Methods:
- 110 adolescents completed baseline assessments.
- Random assignment to a mentor or control group.
- Follow-up assessments at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months; final pregnancy data at 33 months.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in repeat pregnancy rates between mentor and control groups at 33 months (66.0% vs. 68.8%).
- Mentored teens showed progress in school, with 50% graduating or advancing two grades.
- Repeat pregnancies were common, with 36% experiencing one and 24% experiencing two or more.
Conclusions:
- The mentoring program, while providing social support and community assistance, did not significantly decrease repeat pregnancy rates in this population.
- Educational attainment showed improvement, indicating potential benefits in other life domains.
- Lessons learned from program implementation can inform future interventions for adolescent mothers.