Impact of running away on girls’ pregnancy

Citation

Thrane, Lisa E. & Chen, Xiaojin (2012). Impact of running away on girls' pregnancy. Journal of Adolescence. vol. 35 (2) pp. 443-449

Abstract

This study assessed the impact of running away on pregnancy in the subsequent year among U.S. adolescents. We also investigated interactions between running away and sexual assault, romance, and school disengagement. Pregnancy among females between 11 and 17 years (n = 6100) was examined utilizing the Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) data from Waves 1 and 2. The odds of pregnancy in the next year were 1.67 times greater for runaways net of other factors. A history of sexual assault and romantic involvement increased the likelihood of pregnancy. The relationship between pregnancy and runaway behavior in the general population is understudied. Our findings suggest that runaway youth have a multiplicity of needs that require a complex array of medical, social, emotional, and academic resources to promote positive sexual health outcomes.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2011.07.011

Keyword(s)

Reproductive Health

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

Journal of Adolescence

Author(s)

Thrane, Lisa E.
Chen, Xiaojin

Year Published

2012

Volume Number

35

Issue Number

2

Pages

443-449

DOI

10.1016/j.adolescence.2011.07.011

Reference ID

1530