Project Title
Teen Pregnancy:How Education and Health Resources Can Improve Safe Sex Practices within our Teenage Population
Faculty Mentor(s) Name(s)
Dr. Johnny Moore
Abstract
Background: A pregnancy that occurs in anyone below the age of twenty is classified as teen pregnancy. There is a risk for infant mortality, preterm labor, and obstructed labor due to an underdeveloped pelvis which is common for those under the age of 15. As for the mother, there are risks to their emotional well-being and mental health, access to education, and are at a higher risk for eclampsia and other health issues. Due to the increased chance of preterm labor, babies may be born with their brains and bodies underdeveloped, causing further health complications such as breathing, feeding, and cognitive issues. Purpose: To examine studies that use the Transtheoretical Model in the prevention of teen pregnancy to determine the best evidence-based practices and recommendations for future studies. Methods: Article were obtained through Galileo. A logic model was used to align theory with practical application. Keywords include teen pregnancy, transtheoretical model, prevention methods. Results: Findings show that the lack of use contraceptives and comprehensive sex education are influential in the prevalence of teen pregnancy. The literature confirms that the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) is useful in addressing and preventing teen pregnancy. The stages of change can show the process of learning and practicing safe sex measures. The constructs of the self-efficacy and decisional balance in relation to the use of contraceptives were found to be the most influential. Conclusions: The access to contraceptives and having a factual and inclusive comprehensive sex education can vastly improve the occurrence of safe sex practices within the younger population to prevent pregnancy. By increasing the access to contraceptives and improving education of those preventative measures, the self-efficacy will rise in relation to using contraceptives. By providing teens with informative resources, they can weigh their pros and cons more efficiently.
Teen Pregnancy:How Education and Health Resources Can Improve Safe Sex Practices within our Teenage Population
Background: A pregnancy that occurs in anyone below the age of twenty is classified as teen pregnancy. There is a risk for infant mortality, preterm labor, and obstructed labor due to an underdeveloped pelvis which is common for those under the age of 15. As for the mother, there are risks to their emotional well-being and mental health, access to education, and are at a higher risk for eclampsia and other health issues. Due to the increased chance of preterm labor, babies may be born with their brains and bodies underdeveloped, causing further health complications such as breathing, feeding, and cognitive issues. Purpose: To examine studies that use the Transtheoretical Model in the prevention of teen pregnancy to determine the best evidence-based practices and recommendations for future studies. Methods: Article were obtained through Galileo. A logic model was used to align theory with practical application. Keywords include teen pregnancy, transtheoretical model, prevention methods. Results: Findings show that the lack of use contraceptives and comprehensive sex education are influential in the prevalence of teen pregnancy. The literature confirms that the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) is useful in addressing and preventing teen pregnancy. The stages of change can show the process of learning and practicing safe sex measures. The constructs of the self-efficacy and decisional balance in relation to the use of contraceptives were found to be the most influential. Conclusions: The access to contraceptives and having a factual and inclusive comprehensive sex education can vastly improve the occurrence of safe sex practices within the younger population to prevent pregnancy. By increasing the access to contraceptives and improving education of those preventative measures, the self-efficacy will rise in relation to using contraceptives. By providing teens with informative resources, they can weigh their pros and cons more efficiently.