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Sexual abuse, neglect predicted teen pregnancy

Teenage girls who were sexually abused or neglected were more than twice as likely to experience teen childbirth compared with those who were not maltreated, according to new study results.

“One explanation for the persistently high US birth rate is that there are risk factors for teen pregnancy and childbirth that are not addressed in current prevention efforts,” the researchers wrote.

Jennie G. Noll, PhD, and Chad E. Shenk, PhD, of the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, examined the relationship between child maltreatment and teen childbirth in 435 females aged 14 to 17 years who were assessed annually until aged 19 years. Roughly half of the girls were investigated by Child Protective Services (CPS) for maltreatment, which included sexual and physical abuse and neglect cases. The other half was matched for age, race, income and family constellation. The researchers confirmed births using hospital delivery records.

The prevalence of childbirth among teenage girls who were maltreated was approximately 20% vs. the national average of about 4% (P=.01). Controlling for demographic characteristics and known risk factors, Noll and Shenk found that sexual abuse and neglect were the strongest predictors of teen childbirth. The adjusted odds ratio was 2.74 (95% CI, 1.31-5.73) for sexual abuse and 3.14 (95% CI, 1.19-8.33) for neglect.

According to background information in the study, more than 350,000 females aged younger than 18 years experienced child maltreatment. Interventions targeting this population may effectively reduce teen childbirth.

“As with the general adolescent population, primary prevention programs targeting sexual activity and contraceptive use will help mitigate the risk of childbirth for maltreated adolescents,” the researchers said, adding that CPS agencies and pediatricians should also help educate maltreated teenage girls about the risks and consequences associated with teen childbirth as a secondary prevention effort.

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.