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  • Title: Does family interaction prevent adolescent pregnancy?
    Author: Casper LM.
    Journal: Fam Plann Perspect; 1990; 22(3):109-14. PubMed ID: 2379567.
    Abstract:
    This study uses data from the 1982 National Survey of Family Growth to ascertain whether family interaction can avert adolescent sexual activity, pregnancy, childbearing and parenthood. The results obtained from using logistic regression procedures indicate that the family may be effective in increasing adolescents' use of contraceptives and selection of abortion or adoption as alternatives to parenthood. Family interaction, however, was not associated with forestalling adolescent sexual activity or with providing for the well-being of the adolescent and her child and it is unlikely that a policy based solely on family interaction will be effective. Characteristics associated with effectiveness in preventing adolescent pregnancy included race, religion, residence, mother's education, the adolescent's age and family income. Data from the 1982 US National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) are used to see if family interaction can prevent adolescent sexual activity, pregnancy, childbearing, and parenthood. This analysis uses the subset of NSFG data on women aged 15-19 only. (N=1888) 2 logistic models were considered for each of the 4 levels of the decision-making process. The 1st model measured only the effect of family background; the 2nd, all of the 1st and a variable showing family interaction. 4 dichotomous dependent variables were designed. Each measured the presence or absence of: 1) the start of sexual activity before age 19; 2) contraceptive use; 3) choosing an alternative to parenthood (abortion or adoption); and 4) early prenatal care. A set of socioeconomic indicators (mother's and father's education and family income), and a set of sociodemographic indicators (race, religion, region of residence and rural vs. urban residence) were selected as independent variables. In the 2nd logistic model, family interaction measures the presence or absence of parent-adolescent communication about how pregnancy occurs and contraception. Coresidence with at least 1 parent during and after the birth of the child is also considered. Parent-adolescent communication about how pregnancy occurs is not related to adolescent sexual behavior. Mother's education and family income are negatively related to the probability that an adolescent will start being sexually active. Birth control communication significantly influences contraceptive use. Contraceptive use is more likely among Protestant teens than Catholics, or other or no religion. Living with 1 parent is significantly related to the probability of choosing adoption or abortion over parenthood (p 0.05). There is no clear evidence that family participation can be effective. Family participation can influence reduced adolescent pregnancy at certain decision-making stages.
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