A Primary Care Intervention to Prevent Repeat Pregnancy Among Teen Mothers

Am J Prev Med. 2019 Mar;56(3):404-410. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2018.10.015.

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of a patient-centered medical home intervention for teen parent families in reducing rates of unintended repeat pregnancy in the first 2 years postpartum.

Methods: A prospective quasi-experimental evaluation was conducted with 98 African American, low-income, teen mother (aged <20 years) participants who received either the intervention or standard pediatric primary care. All participants completed structured interviews at baseline (child aged 2 months) and at follow-ups 12 and 24 months later. Data were collected from 2011 to 2015. Participants reported number of pregnancies, contraception used at last intercourse, depressive symptoms, and romantic status of the relationship with the baby's father. Analyses were conducted from 2015 to 2017.

Results: Logistic regression showed that mothers in the intervention group were half as likely as mothers who received standard pediatric primary care to have a repeat pregnancy within 2 years (OR=0.55, p=0.16). The main effect of the intervention on lower rates of repeat pregnancy was mediated by higher rates of contraceptive use. Depression was associated with higher odds of repeat pregnancy, but did not appear to mediate the intervention effect.

Conclusions: This comprehensive and integrated model of care for teen parents may be an effective method to prevent rapid repeat pregnancies in this vulnerable population.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Black or African American*
  • Continuity of Patient Care
  • Contraception / methods*
  • Depression / ethnology
  • Depression / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Mental Health Services / organization & administration*
  • Patient-Centered Care / organization & administration
  • Poverty
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy in Adolescence / ethnology
  • Pregnancy in Adolescence / prevention & control*
  • Pregnancy, Unplanned
  • Primary Health Care / organization & administration*
  • Program Evaluation
  • Prospective Studies
  • Sexual Partners / psychology
  • Social Work / organization & administration*
  • Socioeconomic Factors