Exploring relationships in teenage pregnancy

Author: Whitehead, Elizabeth

Source: International Journal of Nursing Practice, Volume 14, Number 4, August 2008 , pp. 292-295(4)

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Abstract:

The aim of this paper is to report a study exploring aspects of teenage pregnant women relationships with the fathers of their unborn children within the context of two contrasting demographic areas of the UK. The perceptions of teenage pregnant women on how they view their relationship with the fathers of their unborn babies has not been fully investigated. Three major categories emerged from the perspectives of 47 teenage pregnant women: (i) age of baby's father; (ii) education and employment status of baby's father; and (iii) ability of baby's father to provide financial support. Teenage pregnant women living in the south-east were more likely to maintain the relationship with fathers of their babies than those living in the north-west. This was found to be statistically significant. The age, employment status and education of the baby's father can influence the continuance of the partnership between the participant and of the father of her baby. The statistical difference in the maintenance of the relationship between the prospective parents may be associated with the continuing demographic and cultural characteristics of the north-west, where teenage pregnancy remains high and the south-east where the rates are low.

Keywords: demographic contrasts in UK; fathers in teenage pregnancy; teenage pregnant women

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-172X.2008.00695.x

Publication date: 2008-08-01