Nkechi Enwerem PhD, RN,  Davene White, RN, NNP, MPH2, Zillah Wesley, LCSW

Nursing, CNAHS, Howard University
Howard University Hospital
Howard University

Abstract

Background:

Level of evidence of repeat teenage pregnancy intervention program provides important data which can identify research quality, effectiveness and best evidence interventions to address public health challenges. This study, aimed to identify and rank interventions which are effective in preventing repeat teenage pregnancy.

Methods:

We searched 9 electronic data including PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, reference list of other relevant research papers, and related reviews. We used the criteria developed by US. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Evidence-Based Medicine and from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to grade the Level of Evidence for the interventions and to make our recommendation.

Result:

The interventions used in repeat teenage pregnancy fall under 5 categories: (a) Contraceptives (b) Postpartum counseling, (c) Pregnancy planning interventions (d) Community-based social and behavioral change (e) Mentoring and Goal-setting interventions. Long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods –the IUD and the implant are 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. Short-term hormonal methods, such as the pill, the patch, the injectable and the ring, are 91-94 % effective. Condoms are about 82% effective at reducing the likelihood of pregnancy.

Conclusion:

Contraceptives are critical to prevention of pregnancy. Access to adolescent-friendly, contraceptive services, education, mentoring and goal setting are evidence-based approach to prevent repeat teenage pregnancy.
Key: Level of evidence, Repeat Teenage Pregnancy, Contraceptive, Intervention