Maternal Incarceration and Daughter's Risk of Substance-Exposed Pregnancy, HIV, and STIs

• In Event: Exploring the Collateral Consequences of Familial Incarceration on Children

Abstract

Substance-exposed pregnancy (SEP), HIV, and STIs are increasingly common public health problems among teenage girls in the U.S. Teenage girls with maternal incarceration experiences represent a particularly vulnerable group at heightened risks for problem behaviors such as substance use and unprotected sex. However, there is limited research on the risks of SEP, HIV, and STIs among this population and their association with maternal incarceration. This study used the Fragile Family and Child Wellbeing data to understand the extent of SEP, HIV, and STIs among this group of teenage girls and examine the association between maternal incarceration and these behavioral health risks. Findings suggested that compared to their counterparts without maternal incarceration experiences, a significantly higher proportion of teenage girls with maternal incarceration experiences were at risk of SEP (14.71% vs. 3.28%, p < .001) and STIs (10.34% vs. 3.31%, p = .005). Regression analysis revealed that maternal incarceration was associated with significantly higher odds of SEP among teenage girls (OR = 3.34, CI = 1.08 - 10.33, p = .040). Discussed are the implications for effective and tailored prevention efforts targeting SEP, HIV, and STIs among this marginalized group of teenage girls.

Authors

• Qianwei Zhao, Baylor University

• Danielle Parrish, Baylor University

• Ning He, New York University