Teenage Pregnancy in Latino Communities: Young Adult Experiences and Perspectives of Sociocultural Factors

Abstract

Racial and ethnic inequities persist in teenage pregnancy rates, prompting examinations of how to provide better attuned teen pregnancy prevention in key affected communities. The current study focused on sociocultural factors of teen pregnancy in Latino communities, using in-depth, semi-structured qualitative interviews to elicit the experiences and perspectives of young adult Latino/as (some who prevented and others who directly experienced teen pregnancy in their own lives). Using a grounded theory approach to data analysis, avoiding teen pregnancy emerged as related to 7 facets of youth experience. Findings offer a critical window into the complex interplay of these experiences in Latino teens' lives, particularly when using a gender-sensitive lens. Implications and future research directions are discussed.