Youth Assets in Adolescent Pregnancy: A Quantitative Study

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescent pregnancy continues to be a priority health issue in the United States. Although risk factors for poor maternal and infant health outcomes are well-documented, less is known about youth assets that may contribute to a healthier pregancy and beginning for new mothers and their newborns. The purpose of this research was to identify perceived youth assets of pregnant adolescents. Methods: Pregnant adolescents (N=28) were recruited from the waiting rooms of two non-profit urban neighborhood health clinics in the Midwest. Each participant completed the Youth Assets Survey (YAS) in which they rated their attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors pertaining to a set of protective factors against risky behaviors. Results: Participants had the highest mean ratings on Educational Aspirations for the Future and Cultural Respect. The assets with the lowest mean ratings were Use of Time in Group Sports and Religion. One significant finding was that the teens who reported a satisfactory relationship with their mother had higher mean asset scores. The third highest mean asset was Responsible Choices focusing on ability to appropriately identify and choose a behavior based on consequences. Conclusions: Although we hypothesized that pregnant adolescents in this study would report relatively low assets, the majority of self-reported assets were moderate to high. Although other factors may contribute to the experience of becoming pregnant, assets possessed by pregnant adolescents undoubtedly affect the course of the pregnancy and beyond. Pregnancy is not necessarily perceived as a barrier or impediment but rather may strengthen resolve to achieve future goals.