Statement of the Problem: The purpose of this study is to describe healthy pregnancy behavior knowledge and reported risky behaviors among pregnant teenagers. Research questions include: 1) What levels of knowledge do pregnant teens possess regarding healthy pregnancy behaviors and smoking, alcohol, and STD risks during pregnancy? 2) What is the relationship of teens’ knowledge of these risks and their reported behaviors? 3) Do healthy pregnancy and risky behavior knowledge and behavior reports change following participation in two healthy pregnancy classes? 4) Do reported risky behaviors differ by race?
Theoretical Framework: The Theory of Planned Behavior serves as the study framework for the parent study, which is a randomized three-group clinical trial to test professional and peer-based education and support interventions to enhance breastfeeding decision-making and increase the initiation and length of breastfeeding among disadvantaged teen mothers.
Subjects/Methodology: The sample (approximately 175) includes English speaking pregnant teens between 14-27 weeks gestation who are 15-18 years of age, and bearing their first baby. The Healthy Knowledge Questionnaire and selected items from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey are being used to collect data at enrollment and following prenatal educational interventions.
Data Analysis: The data collected will be entered and managed using SPSS/PC Version 9.0. Descriptive statistics will be used to answer research questions one and two. Pearson’s correlation coefficients will be calculated for research question three. Paired T-tests will be used to examine changes in knowledge from baseline to following prenatal interventions. Finally, ANOVA will be used to examine difference in reported risky behaviors based on race.
Implications: Teen pregnancy, substance use, and STD risky behaviors have serious health implications to teens and society. Findings may inform health care providers on what teens need to be educated about during pregnancy to help promote healthy pregnancy outcomes.
Session #1222 - Undergraduate Submissions
The 29th Annual MNRS Research Conference (April 1-4, 2005)