Educational barriers, social isolation, and stable romantic relationships among pregnant immigrant Latina teens

Hisp Health Care Int. 2013;11(1):38-46. doi: 10.1891/1540-4153.11.1.38.

Abstract

Latina teen birth rates, particularly those of immigrant Latinas, surpass those of any major racial/ ethnic group. Little is known about how immigration experiences influence early childbearing. Fourteen pregnant Latina immigrant teens were interviewed regarding their feelings about pregnancy and birth control, educational and vocational expectations, and their partners' influences. Common themes included feelings of isolation, barriers to education and future opportunities, and a heavy reliance on partners as a stable source of emotional and financial support, all of which appeared to influence teens' desire for pregnancy. Findings suggest the need to help immigrant youth overcome barriers to education and work and to offer them culturally and linguistically appropriate clinical care including birth control information and services, preconception and prenatal care, and assistance navigating the system.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Attitude to Health
  • California
  • Contraception / psychology
  • Contraception / statistics & numerical data
  • Emigrants and Immigrants / education
  • Emigrants and Immigrants / psychology*
  • Female
  • Hispanic or Latino / education
  • Hispanic or Latino / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Love
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy in Adolescence / ethnology*
  • Pregnancy in Adolescence / psychology
  • Social Isolation / psychology*
  • Young Adult