https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2284-3936
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Abstract
Attempts to solve the “problem of adolescent pregnancy” have long been a focus of national, state, and local efforts in the United States. This review article summarizes trends and strategies around adolescent pregnancy prevention, provides lessons learned and best practices, and presents ideas for future directions. Over the past decades, a wide variety of policy and programmatic interventions have been implemented – including educational efforts, clinical health services, and community-wide coalitions – accompanied by a growing consensus regarding viable solutions. While notable reductions in adolescent pregnancy and childbearing have occurred across all sociodemographic groups, racial/ethnic, geographic, and socioeconomic disparities persist. Many adolescents who most need sexual health information and services are underserved by current programs and policies. A growing understanding of the role of social determinants of health, the impacts of structural racism, and the need for equity and inclusion must inform the next set of interventions and societal commitments to not only ameliorate the occurrence of unintended adolescent pregnancy but also foster healthy adolescent development. Recommendations for future efforts include improving the content, quality, and sustainability of education programs; actively engaging youth in the design of policies, programs, and clinical services; using technology thoughtfully to improve health literacy; expanding access to services through telehealth and other delivery options; and designing programs and policies that recognize and address structural racism, health equity, and inclusion.
Disclosure
Dr. Brindis' time was partially supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (under # U45MC27709, Adolescent and Young Adult Health Capacity Building Program) and HRSA grant # T71MC00003. This information or content and conclusions are those of the authors and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, Health and Human Services, or the U.S. Government. The sponsors had no role in the preparation or submission of this article. The authors report no other conflicts of interest for this work.