Teenage Pregnancy and Sexual Risk in Detained Girls
Author Information
Author(s): Sannie MJJ Hamerlynck, Peggy T Cohen-Kettenis, Robert Vermeiren, Lucres MC Jansen, Pieter D Bezemer, Theo AH Doreleijers
Primary Institution: VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Hypothesis
What is the lifetime prevalence of teenage pregnancy among detained adolescent females and how is it related to mental health and sexual risk factors?
Conclusion
The study found a high lifetime prevalence of pregnancy among detained adolescent females, linked to sexual risk factors and mental health issues.
Supporting Evidence
- 20% of participants reported having been pregnant before detention.
- Sexual risk behavior and early maturity were significant predictors of pregnancy.
- None of the girls had given birth, indicating high rates of unplanned pregnancies.
Takeaway
Many girls in detention have been pregnant before, and this is often related to risky sexual behavior and mental health problems.
Methodology
The study used semi-structured interviews and standardized questionnaires to assess pregnancy history, sexual risk behavior, and mental health characteristics among detained girls.
Potential Biases
Participants may have provided socially desirable answers due to the sensitive nature of the topics.
Limitations
The study relied on self-reported data, which may be biased, and its cross-sectional design limits causal inferences.
Participant Demographics
Participants were aged 12-18, with a mean age of 15.6 years; 57.2% were of Dutch ethnicity.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.009
Confidence Interval
1.159–2.135
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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