This fact sheet presents several data tables related to teen pregnancy, birth rates, abortion, contraceptive use, and sexually transmitted diseases. The data reveal that during the 1990s, rates of teen childbearing have declined, returning to the levels reached in the mid-1980s. Declines come from a lower proportion of teens having sex and a…

The Plain Talk initiative, developed by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, was designed to increase the amount and quality of communication that parents and community adults provided youth regarding responsible sexual decision making. It offered parents and other community adults information and skills necessary to communicate more effectively with…

Regarding sex education in the schools primarily as a means of preventing teenage pregnancy creates misunderstanding about the subject and about human sexuality. This approach is likely to: (1) concentrate on junior/senior high students; (2) focus primarily on females; (3) stress biological rather than emotional development; and (4) cause public…

Studied the trend since the 1960s to delay parenthood. Proposes the decreased risk of unwanted conception and birth has made it easier. Suggests increased education and labor-force participation of women had an effect. Timing of first births affects fertility rates, family economics, and relations among generations. (Author)

The literature is reviewed in terms of medical studies: who becomes pregnant, teenagers who choose to abort, psychological considerations, contraceptive utilization, attitudes of male adolescents, and the children of adolescents. The effectiveness of special programs for pregnant adolescents and their offspring and implications for policy and…

Argues that the Women's Liberation movement was interconnected to contraceptive technology and a shift in the ratio of males to females at marriageable age. These changes influenced the proportion of married women, divorce rate, marital fertility rate, illegitimacy ratio, and male-female differences in education and labor-force participation.…

A study examining the relationship between acculturation and sexual activity, contraceptive use, and attitudes toward self surveyed 290 Los Angeles area Latina adolescents. Less acculturated adolescents were less likely to engage in sexual activity, with place of birth being the most powerful predictor of differences. Implications for pregnancy…

Examined high-risk sexual behavior in adolescents (N=212) involved in juvenile justice system. Found that youth were at high risk for unintended pregnancy, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome and other sexually transmitted disease. Compared to national norms, sample reported very early mean age at first intercourse and high rate of pregnancy. Most…

The double-bind message given women about preventing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection suggests that, if a partner will not use a condom, the woman should use a spermicide. The debate about the protection offered by spermicides is reviewed, and research on prevention effectiveness is urged. (SLD)

Argues that current data regarding the absolute protection of spermicides against the human immunodeficiency virus and other sexually transmitted diseases are not conclusive. Urges condom use, with female barriers in a fall-back position to protect against bacterial sexually transmitted disease. (SLD)

Research findings and theories regarding adolescent contraceptive use are reviewed to propose an alternative framework relying on social learning theory. Environmental context, cognitive influences, and behavior execution constraints are suggested as the foundation for contraceptive behaviors. The behavioral skills teenagers need to use birth…

Examined relationship of familial, demographic, and individual characteristics to pregnancy probability among 124 sexually active adolescent females. Found pregnancy was function of combination of demographic and familial variables. Pregnant adolescents perceived families as having low strength and closed communication, came from homes with…

The relationship of the Contraceptive Self-Efficacy Scale to contraceptive behavior was explored in four female samples: (1) 258 California adolescents, (2) 259 Chicago (Illinois) adolescents, (3) 231 Montreal (Canada) high school students, and (4) 148 college students. Results are discussed in terms of use in research and clinical settings. (SLD)

Discusses the use of pamphlets to influence behavior and to enhance programs. Provides descriptions of 13 youth-oriented prevention materials that seek to provide information about sexuality. Pamphlet topics include abstinence, pregnancy, legal responsibility for fathers, birth control, HIV and safe sex, alcohol, drugs, sexually transmitted…

Studies family structure and function and their association with knowledge and attitudes toward sexuality, contraception, and sexually transmitted diseases (STD) in student and adolescent factory workers. Finds female workers at higher risk for unwanted pregnancies and STDs. Factors associated with knowledge and attitudes included age, schooling…