Early Pregnancy among Adolescent Girls as a Risk Factor for Subsequent Substance Using Behavior: A group-based trajectory modeling approach

• In Event: Longitudinal Perspectives on Victimization and Trauma

Abstract

Sexual activity during adolescence is a pivotal part of human development. Although rates of sexual activity among adolescents have steadily decreased over the past decade across the United States, there remains a high prevalence of early sexual initiation among adolescent girls, and a high rate of pregnancy among teenagers. In 2019, there were nearly 30 pregnancies for every 1000 adolescent girls ages 15-19. Pregnancies occurring in adolescence may be traumatic for girls, particularly in current climates where reproductive rights are not a guarantee. While studies have identified a host of risk factors associated with early pregnancy, there is a lack of research exploring the adverse effects of early pregnancies on substance using behaviors into adulthood. Using group-based trajectory modeling, the study identifies and describes trajectories of substance using behavior among women who have reported pregnancy during adolescence, examining the relationship between pregnancy experiences and pregnancy loss in adolescence with trajectories of substance use into adulthood. Findings have important implications for policy makers and practitioners.

Authors

• D'Andre Walker, University of Mississippi

• Abigail Novak, University of Mississippi

• Deja Knight, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

• Abigail Dempsey, University of Mississippi