J Adolesc Health. 2025 May 17:S1054-139X(25)00140-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2025.03.017. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Efforts to improve access to and use of contraception among young people have often inadequately accounted for the diversity in feelings youth hold about a potential pregnancy. Research using validated measures, is needed to investigate the distribution of pregnancy preferences among youth (15-24 years old) and identify contextual factors that may shape these preferences.
METHODS: A series of bivariate regression models and one multivariate regression model were run using data from the Attitudes and Decision Making After Pregnancy Testing (ADAPT) study, including n = 1,020 assigned female at birth youth recruited from 23 health facilities in the southwestern United States. Pregnancy preferences were measured with the Desire to Avoid Pregnancy (DAP) scale, a prospective validated measure.
RESULTS: A range of DAP scale scores (pregnancy preferences) were found, with a mean of 2.5 (standard deviation 1.1, 0 = greatest openness to pregnancy, 4 = strongest desire to avoid pregnancy). Parous (1.98 vs. 2.63 nulliparous; aCoeff. -0.38, p ≤ .001) and more religious youth (2.16 vs. 2.68 without religion; aCoeff. -0.47, p ≤ .001) were relatively more open to the prospect of pregnancy (e.g., lower DAP score). Those without a main partner (2.79 vs. 2.41 in a relationship; aCoeff. 0.37, p ≤ .001), who were in school (2.80 vs. 2.25 not in school; aCoeff. 0.45, p ≤ .001), and those experiencing depressive symptoms (2.70 vs. 2.40 not depressed; aCoeff. 0.19, p ≤ .01) expressed stronger desire to avoid pregnancy.
DISCUSSION: Youth pregnancy preferences are diverse and shaped by their partnership status, prior childbearing, social context, and mental health.
PMID:40380966 | DOI:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2025.03.017
