Authors' objectives:

This report summarises the research evidence on approaches to preventing and alleviating the direct negative health and social effects of teenage pregnancy.

Authors' recommendations: Teenage pregnancy is associated with increased risk of poor social, economic and health outcomes for both mother and child. A factor strongly associated with deferring pregnancy is a good general education. The health and development of teenage mothers and their children has been shown to benefit from programmes promoting access to antenatal care, targeted support by health visitors, social workers or 'lay mothers' and provision of social support, educational opportunities and pre-school education. School-based sex education can be effective in reducing teenage pregnancy especially when linked to access to contraceptive services. The most reliable evidence shows that it does not increase sexual activity or pregnancy rates. Contraceptives when used properly are highly cost effective and can result in significant savings. Increasing the availability of contraceptive clinic services for young people is associated with reduced pregnancy rates. Contraceptive services should be based on an assessment of local needs and ensure accessibility and confidentiality.

Authors' methods: Systematic review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.york.ac.uk/inst/crd/ehcb.htm

Year Published: 1997

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: England

Organisation Name: University of York

Contact Address: University of York, York, Y01 5DD, United Kingdom. Tel: +44 1904 321040, Fax: +44 1904 321041,

Contact Name: crd@york.ac.uk

Contact Email: crd@york.ac.uk

Copyright: Centre for Reviews and Dissemination