Smith P B, McGill L, Wait R B
J Adolesc Health Care. 1987 Jul;8(4):352-5. doi: 10.1016/0197-0070(87)90008-8.
Marital status, contraception, desire for pregnancy, and social support relationships were analyzed by ethnicity for a group of pregnant and postpartum adolescents. Although no significant differences were found among ethnic groups for birth control information and use, the desire for pregnancy, grouped by marital status at conception, was significantly different for Hispanics. Positive evaluations of the life changes associated with pregnancy were found more frequently among Hispanic mothers. Hispanic teen mothers, however, were least likely to understand the menstrual cycle. The role of ethnic background in adolescent fertility behaviour is discussed, and potential clinical applications for more effectively serving sexually active Hispanic adolescents are presented.
