Invited Commentary

Commentary on “Repeat Pregnancy Prevention Self-Efficacy in Adolescents: Associations with Provider Communication, Provider Type, and Depression”

Authors: Kristen A. Plastino, MD

Abstract

Teen births have continued to decline during the past 18 years, reaching an all-time low of 34.3 births per 1000 girls aged 15 to 19 years based on 2010 birth data.1 A baby born to a teenage mother is more likely to live in poverty, be abused or neglected, be imprisoned if a boy, and continue the cycle of teenage pregnancy as a girl. Also, almost one-fourth of teenage mothers deliver for a second time by age 20. Decreasing the repeat teen birth rate is of utmost importance for the teenagers, the infants of those teenagers, and the well-being of society.

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References

1. Hamilton BE, Ventura SJ. Birth rates for U.S. teenagers reach historic lows for all age and ethnic groups. NCHS Data Briefno. 89. Atlanta, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012.
 
2. Whitlock EP, Orleans T, Pender N, et al. Evaluating primary care behavioral counseling interventions: an evidence-based approach. Am J Prev Med 2002; 22: 267–284.
 
3. Carvajal DN, Burrell MA, Duggan AK, et al. Repeat pregnancy prevention self-efficacy in adolescents: associations with provider communication, provider type, and depression. South Med J 2012; 105: 591–597.
 
4. Emmons KM, Rollnick S. Motivational interviewing in healthcare settings, opportunities and limitations. Am J Prev Med 2001; 20: 68–74.
 
5. Klerman L. Another Chance: Preventing Additional Births to Teen Mothers. Washington, DC, National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, 2004.
 
6. US Preventive Services Task Force. Recommendation statement. Behavioral counseling to prevent sexually transmitted infections. Ann Intern Med 2008; 149: 491–496.