Document Type

Article

Source Publication Title

The Journal of Perinatal Education

First Page

225

Last Page

238

DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.1891/1058-1243.24.4.225

Abstract

Depressive symptoms and violence exposure (VE) often cooccur and have been recognized to influence childbearing; contribution to repeat pregnancy is unclear and examined in this article. This cross-sectional, descriptive, study screened for depressive symptoms and VE among 193 adolescent mothers at a large county hospital in Southwestern United States. Repeat pregnancy and depressive symptoms characterized one-third and one-quarter of adolescents, respectively. Despite minimal disclosure of VE, repeat pregnancy was significantly influenced by child abuse and past traumatic life experiences. Assessments and interventions with adolescents should focus on frequency of repeat pregnancies and symptoms of depression and VE. Nurses and childbirth educators are poised to offer birth control information and education, support, and resources highlighting depression and VE to adolescents.

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences | Nursing

Publication Date

1-1-2015

Language

English

Included in

Nursing Commons

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