Factors influencing teenage mothers' participation in unprotected sex.

OBJECTIVE

To study the values, beliefs, and lived experiences of 8 teenage mothers who participated in unprotected sex at the time their babies were conceived, in order to enhance understanding of adolescent sexual behavior from a nursing science perspective.

DESIGN

A qualitative, heuristic approach that subscribed to the basic tenets of descriptive phenomenology, in which teenagers were allowed to discuss in their own words the sentiments, opinions, ideologies, and intentions that affected their sexual decision-making.

SETTING

Data collection consisted of a series of audiotaped interviews conducted by the researcher in the participants' homes over an 8-week period from November 1997 through January 1998.

PARTICIPANTS

A convenience sample of 8 teenage mothers who met the inclusion criteria for having participated in unprotected sex at the time of conception, recruited from a facility specializing in education, support, and intervention for teenage parents.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Thematic analysis of transcribed text began once the first interview was completed and continued throughout the data collection process. The process included open coding of key words and phrases, bracketing out conventional knowledge, and immersion in the data in order to identify prevalent and recurring themes.

RESULTS

Results are reported in terms of the six prevalent themes that emerged from the interview data relevant to factors which contributed to the teenagers' participation in unprotected sexual intercourse: Desiring Pregnancy, Handing It Over to Fate, Lacking a Plan, Doubting the Chances, Fearing Harm, and Fearing Loss.

CONCLUSIONS

Key themes identified in this study represent a foundational step in achieving a more cogent view of the issues involved in adolescent sexual decision-making. Awareness of these experiences and intentions can be used to enhance meaningful interaction between adolescents and the health care system as well as to serve as a resource in the development and implementation of programs designed to prevent adolescent pregnancy. Further studies are required before specific practice applications can be identified.