How Teen Pregnancy Impacts a Community Marna L. Diaz Mental Health and Community Concepts Milwaukee Area Technical College February 19, 2012 Abstract Even though rates have declined over the last 20 years, the United States still has one of the highest instances of pregnancy among adolescents in the developed world (Magness, 2012). The rates of teen pregnancy are highest among the poor and uneducated; these communities also have high infant mortality rates and STD morbidities.
This paper is to explore the impact these statistics have on the communities in Milwaukee and our nation; and the role of the healthcare provider caring for this population. How Teen Pregnancy Impacts a Community Milwaukee’s teen pregnancy rate has declined for the last five years but it is still one of the highest in the nation. Pregnancy among adolescents is a national problem worthy of addressing from a prevention perspective in the Healthy People 2020 national objectives (Magness, 2012). Teen pregnancy statistics are highest among poor non-white communities; which also have high rates of infant mortality and sexually transmitted diseases.
Healthcare providers working with this population have a pertinent role as they have continued contact with the mothers throughout their entire pregnancy process. Teen Pregnancy Statistics The Milwaukee Health Department states the 2011 teen birthrate is at 33. 4 per 1,000 girls ages 15 to 17. That’s down from 35. 8 in 2010 and follows a succession of decreases (Herzog, 2012). Even though the rate is steadily dropping the costs to the community still withstand. The long-term cost of a teen having one baby in Milwaukee is estimated to be $79,320.
Girls born to teen mothers are 83% more likely to become teen mothers themselves (United, 2013). Subsequent births to adolescent mothers is also an issue; with 20% to 37% of teen mothers having a repeat birth within 24 months. Numerous pregnancy complications including preterm delivery, low birth weight and postpartum depression are higher in adolescents. In addition to the complications; those mothers who have a rapid subsequent birth are less likely to complete high school and are at an increased risk for long-term poverty and welfare dependence (Magness, 2012).
Infant Mortality Rate Milwaukee has one of the highest rates of infant mortality in the nation; with one baby dying before their first birth day every three days. According to the City of Milwaukee Health Department the overall city IMR in 2010 was 9. 5 infant deaths per 1,000 live births. A considerable amount of these deaths were preventable. Teens are less likely to seek prenatal care in the first trimester due to denial of pregnancy or fear of telling others. Some estimating up to 1/3 of pregnant adolescents are not receiving adequate prenatal care.
As stated earlier adolescents have higher rates of pregnancy complications including preterm infants. Approximately half of Milwaukee’s infant deaths are due to prematurity. Premature infants have a greater risk of medical complications, long-term disabilities and death (City, 2012). Sexually Transmitted Diseases Recent studies show Milwaukee as having one of the highest rates of STD incidences in the country. According to the CDC young people ages 14-24 have the highest rate of infection. It is estimated that 1 in 15 sexually active females aged 14-19 has chlamydia.
And out of 820,000 cases of gonorrhea reported to the CDC; 570,000 of them were among young people 15-24 years of age (CDC, 2012). In Wisconsin alone teens age 15-19 account for 35. 5% of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis cases combined. Even with STD education as part of the curriculum in middle schools nationwide it seems to have little impact. It follows the logic that permeates many poor communities: When young people believe they’re going nowhere and have nothing to lose, unsafe sex happens (Herzog, 2012) Role of the Healthcare Provider Healthcare providers caring for this vulnerable population have unique challenges.
Teens are in an “in between” stage of childhood and adulthood and many haven’t reached physical or emotional maturity (Magness, 2012). Nurses have the most amount of contact with these individuals apart from family as their role ideally begins during the prenatal period and extends throughout the pregnancy to birth. Nurses’ attitudes and belief pertaining to teen pregnancy plays a vital role in the pregnancy/childbirth experience. It is the role of the nurse to be supportive and positive; making sure the mother is the subject of care and not the object of care to have long lasting benefits from the therapeutic relationship (Magness, 2012).
Adolescent mothers are afraid and not sure what to expect and it is the role of the nurse to provide as much information and offer as many resources as possible to make a seemingly negative experience a positive one. Teen Pregnancy Prevention United Way of Greater Milwaukee is spearheading community-wide collaborative efforts to bring the issue to the forefront of public attention and change the historically high rate of teen births. A key strategy is the implementation of proven prevention programs through Healthy Girls programs (United, 2012).
The programs offered at 16 locations throughout the greater Milwaukee area are Making Proud Choices! and Cuidate! , a resource for the Spanish speaking community. By implementing the same programs throughout the community, United Way can accurately track progress and results through common outcomes and indicators, while also forming best practices. These programs focus on both teen girls and boys (United, 2012). The United Way website also has a list of resources for teens and adults alike to obtain information on the subject of teen pregnancy and prevention. Conclusion
Teen pregnancy, high infant mortality rates and high instances of STDs are themes that riddle communities in the Milwaukee area. For a city that is small in comparison to Chicago, San Antonio and New York; Milwaukee has statistics that are shameful. The lines of disparity can almost be drawn around poor ethnic communities and the challenge is how together as a community we can change this. Continued efforts such as the United Way and others are essential to educate our teens about pregnancy and STD prevention. As well as providing resources for teens that are currently trying to cope with these situations.
When teens believe in themselves and believe good things will happen to them, risky behaviors stop; this can have the greatest impact on the community (Herzog, 2012). References City of Milwaukee Health Department | Infant Mortality. (n. d. ). City of Milwaukee Health Department. Retrieved February 19, 2013, from http://city. milwaukee. gov/Infant- Mortality Herzog, K. (2012, October 19). Milwaukee’s teen birthrate drops for fifth year in row. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel – Breaking news, sports, business, watchdog journalism in Wisconsin. Retrieved February 19, 2013, from http://www. sonline. com/features/health/milwaukees- teen-birthrate-drops-for-fifth-year-in-row-un79121-174928281. html Magness, J. (2012). Adolescent Pregnancy: The role of the Healthcare Provider. International Journal of Childbirth Education, 27. 4, 61-64. STD Data and Statistics. (n. d. ). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved February 19, 2013, from http://www. cdc. gov/std/stats United Way of Greater Milwaukee:Teen Pregnancy Prevention. (n. d. ). United Way of Greater Milwaukee:Home. Retrieved February 19, 2013, from http://www. unitedwaymilwaukee. org/TeenPregnancyPrevention. htm
