Unplanned teenage pregnancy and parenthood occurs as a result of complex biopsychosocial interactions and is a significant social and health issue in Western society. It is associated with increasing social exclusion and adverse social, economic and psychological consequences, and defies all evaluated preventive strategies. This unique study in minors sought to explore and understand the nature of girls’ attitudes, beliefs and experiences towards romantic relationships, sexual behaviour, contraceptive use, pregnancy and parenthood in order to more fully understand these complex interactions and identify potentially modifiable pathways.
Innovative methods were used to collect in-depth data from a vulnerable and difficult to access population. A purposive sample of sexually active teenagers aged between 14 and 19 years were drawn from three distinct populations: antenatal and postnatal services (pregnant-continuing); termination services (pregnant-terminating); and sexual health clinics (never pregnant). Sixty nine individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis and constant comparison techniques were used.
Many teenagers are inconsistent users of both condoms and hormonal methods of contraception. Perceptions of invulnerability towards pregnancy, often induced through erratic or non-use of contraception over time without consequences may reinforce ongoing risky sexual behaviours. Motivations to use contraception fluctuated according to the characteristics of the romantic and sexual relationship, the type of partner, changing perceptions of barriers to contraceptive use and positive or ambivalent feeling towards early motherhood.
To understand pathways leading to early unplanned pregnancy in the teenage years, we must explore the broader context of adolescent lives and acknowledge multiple systems of influence. Greater emphasis on the romantic relationship and its role in shaping adolescent contraceptive behaviours, together with an acknowledgement of the spectrum of attitudes held by teenagers towards pregnancy and childbearing are needed.
Conflict of Interest: None disclosed
Financial Support/Funding: None disclosed
Recorded: Sydney, Australia, April 2007
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