How Teen Pregnancy Impacts a Community
How Teen Pregnancy Impacts a Community
Marna L. Diaz
Mental Health and Community Concepts
Milwaukee Area Technical College
February 19, 2012
Abstract
Even though rates have declined over the last 20 years, the United States still has one of the highest instances of pregnancy among adolescents in the developed world (Magness, 2012). The rates of teen pregnancy are highest among the poor and uneducated; these communities also have high infant mortality rates and STD morbidities. This paper is to explore the impact these statistics have on the communities in Milwaukee and our nation; and the role of the healthcare provider caring for this population.
How Teen Pregnancy Impacts a Community Milwaukee’s teen pregnancy rate has declined for the last five years but it is still one of the highest in the nation. Pregnancy among adolescents is a national problem worthy of addressing from a prevention perspective in the Healthy People 2020 national objectives (Magness, 2012). Teen pregnancy statistics are highest among poor non-white communities; which also have high rates of infant mortality and sexually transmitted diseases. Healthcare providers working with this population have a pertinent role as they have continued contact with the mothers throughout their entire pregnancy process.
Teen Pregnancy Statistics The Milwaukee Health Department states the 2011 teen birthrate is at 33.4 per 1,000 girls ages 15 to 17. That’s down from 35.8 in 2010 and follows a succession of decreases (Herzog, 2012). Even though the rate is steadily dropping the costs to the community still withstand. The long-term cost of a teen having one baby in Milwaukee is estimated to be $79,320. Girls born to teen mothers are 83% more likely to become teen mothers themselves (United, 2013). Subsequent births to adolescent mothers is also an issue; with 20% to 37% of teen mothers having a repeat birth within 24 months. Numerous pregnancy complications including preterm delivery, low birth
Marna L. Diaz
Mental Health and Community Concepts
Milwaukee Area Technical College
February 19, 2012
Abstract
Even though rates have declined over the last 20 years, the United States still has one of the highest instances of pregnancy among adolescents in the developed world (Magness, 2012). The rates of teen pregnancy are highest among the poor and uneducated; these communities also have high infant mortality rates and STD morbidities. This paper is to explore the impact these statistics have on the communities in Milwaukee and our nation; and the role of the healthcare provider caring for this population.
How Teen Pregnancy Impacts a Community Milwaukee’s teen pregnancy rate has declined for the last five years but it is still one of the highest in the nation. Pregnancy among adolescents is a national problem worthy of addressing from a prevention perspective in the Healthy People 2020 national objectives (Magness, 2012). Teen pregnancy statistics are highest among poor non-white communities; which also have high rates of infant mortality and sexually transmitted diseases. Healthcare providers working with this population have a pertinent role as they have continued contact with the mothers throughout their entire pregnancy process.
Teen Pregnancy Statistics The Milwaukee Health Department states the 2011 teen birthrate is at 33.4 per 1,000 girls ages 15 to 17. That’s down from 35.8 in 2010 and follows a succession of decreases (Herzog, 2012). Even though the rate is steadily dropping the costs to the community still withstand. The long-term cost of a teen having one baby in Milwaukee is estimated to be $79,320. Girls born to teen mothers are 83% more likely to become teen mothers themselves (United, 2013). Subsequent births to adolescent mothers is also an issue; with 20% to 37% of teen mothers having a repeat birth within 24 months. Numerous pregnancy complications including preterm delivery, low birth
References: City of Milwaukee Health Department | Infant Mortality. (n.d.). City of Milwaukee Health Department. Retrieved February 19, 2013, from http://city.milwaukee.gov/Infant- Mortality Herzog, K. (2012, October 19). Milwaukee 's teen birthrate drops for fifth year in row. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Breaking news, sports, business, watchdog journalism in Wisconsin. Retrieved February 19, 2013, from http://www.jsonline.com/features/health/milwaukees- teen-birthrate-drops-for-fifth-year-in-row-un79121-174928281.html Magness, J. (2012). Adolescent Pregnancy: The role of the Healthcare Provider. International Journal of Childbirth Education, 27.4, 61-64. STD Data and Statistics. (n.d.). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved February 19, 2013, from http://www.cdc.gov/std/stats United Way of Greater Milwaukee:Teen Pregnancy Prevention. (n.d.). United Way of Greater Milwaukee:Home. Retrieved February 19, 2013, from http://www.unitedwaymilwaukee.org/TeenPregnancyPrevention.htm