Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) still raises serious concerns for adolescents' sexual health in west-African developing countries. To this extent, promoting contraception use among sexually active adolescents is a major key to addressing this problem. Yet, the rate of contraception use by adolescents remains surprisingly low in these…

Despite substantial progress over the last two decades, girls still have on average lower levels of educational attainment than boys in West and Central Africa. This is in part because many girls in the region are married while still children, often before they may be physically and emotionally ready to become wives and mothers. Educating girls…

"The State of the World's Children 2014 In Numbers: Every Child Counts" highlights the critical role data and monitoring play in realizing children's rights. Credible data, disseminated effectively and used correctly, make it possible to target interventions that help right the wrong of exclusion. Data do not, of themselves, change the…

To mark the 25th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, this edition of "The State of the World's Children" calls for brave and fresh thinking to address age-old problems that still affect the world's most disadvantaged children. The report is inspired by the work of innovators around the world--who are pushing…

Identified predictors of birth control knowledge resulting from interactant or noninteractant communication styles in 100 adolescents who read a magazine on human sexuality. Data suggested that the interactant style was most beneficial for new learning. Gender and the presence of siblings in the home were important moderators. (JAC)

Examines the relationship between barriers to using birth control and actual use of birth control among Mexican American adolescents (N=26,666). Results show that nonusers had significantly higher barrier scores compared with users of birth control. These results indicate that attitudes toward birth control are associated with actual birth control…

The relationship between contraceptive education and teenage male contraceptive behavior was investigated. Findings indicated that brief or moderately in-depth contraceptive education had little effect on contraceptive behavior. The teenage pregnancy and other sex-related problems may make parents and schools more amenable to comprehensive…

The review provides a social learning model for explaining adolescent sexual behavior and use/nonuse of contraceptives. The model explains behavior patterns responsible for epidemic rates of teenage pregnancies, suggests research that will result in prevention of teenage pregnancies, and incorporates a range of social/cultural factors. (DB)

Public concern over adolescent sexual and contraceptive behavior is increasing. One recommended policy response is for states to pass legislation giving minors the right to consent to reproductive health services. Such services are likely to benefit individuals, families, and society. (KH)

Surveyed 498 Kansas City residents to determine their attitudes regarding contraception and resolution of teenage pregnancy. Results showed 80 percent favored contraceptives for adolescents. Over half favored keeping the baby or placing it for adoption, while 40 percent favored abortion. Responses showed significant demographic differences. (JAC)

Major concepts of the Health Belief Model, perceived susceptibility and perceived severity, can be applied to family planning, including the use or non-use of contraception among sexually active adolescent females. (Author/CJ)

Uses the histories of women who have attended the Fertility Control Clinic in East Melbourne, Australia to illustrate the degree of ignorance of basic information on contraception and sex. Outlines possible subjective barriers to contraception and advocates teacher guidance in the area of sex education. (GS)

The authors review trends in the problem area of teen pregnancy and the consequences of early parenthood for the family. Current efforts in this problem area are highlighted. The authors make seven recommendations to home economists. (CH)

A survey of teenagers in Missouri assessing their knowledge of contraception, abortion, reproduction, and venereal disease is reported. Results indicate that lack of information rather than incorrect information is the principal problem, and that teenagers are better informed about abortion than about birth control methods or reproduction. (JMF)

Although educators seem reluctant to integrate sex into the curriculum, covert sexual instruction comprises a large part of the hidden curriculum and ambience of any junior or high school. When presenting heterosexual mechanics, most health classes bypass homosexuality, safer sex practices, abortion ethics, and birth control methods. Honest…