“It Drives Us to Do It”: Pregnant Adolescents Identify Drivers for Sexual Risk-Taking

Abstract

Background: Sexual risk-taking behaviors have a negative effect on the heath and future of American adolescents. Aims and objectives: To gain insight into these behaviors and preventative efforts, this study explored the experiences and perceptions of 15 pregnant adolescents using a qualitative feminist approach and in-depth interviews. Methods: As participants discussed sex education, each identified influences on sexual decision-making that often overpowered the information received. Results: Content analysis and constant comparison of this data led to the overarching theme “Drivers for Sexual Risk-taking.” Drivers were categorized as internal and external and each demonstrated a significant influence on adolescent sexual decision-making. Conclusion: Results of this study can inform the development of educational efforts, reform of social policy, and the focus of future research.

Keywords:

• Sexual risk-taking behaviors
• Pregnant
• Adolescent
• Qualitative feminist approach
• Sex education