• P J Thompson, M J Powell, R J Patterson, and S M Ellerbee.
• College of Nursing, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock 72205, USA.
• J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs. 1995 Oct 1; 24 (8): 713-8.

ObjectiveTo describe selected outcomes and maternal perceptions of adolescent parenting.DesignQualitative and quantitative methods, interview, and two standardized instruments were combined in this follow-up study of adolescents who received perinatal services between 1985 and 1988.SettingData were collected in the mothers' homes.ParticipantsMothers who were randomly selected for an earlier chart outcome audit (N = 98) and could be located (n = 19).Main Outcome MeasuresSubsequent pregnancies; school completion; children's development, indicated by the Developmental Profile II (DPII); parental attitudes, indicated by the Adult-Adolescent Parenting Inventory (AAPI); and maternal perceptions.ResultsResponses revealed irregular use of contraceptives as one reason for the initial pregnancy and for subsequent unplanned pregnancies. Sixteen mothers completed high school, and 18 intend to complete postsecondary programs. The DPII indicated age-appropriate development of the children. AAPI scores for 84% of the mothers indicated nonnurturing attitudes. Mothers described family support, motherhood, and their children.ConclusionsResearch is needed with larger samples and to test interventions to promote regular use of contraception. Findings support the need for research-based programs to educate and promote the development of adolescent mothers and their children.

49 keywords...

hide…