Which Pregnant Adolescents Would be Interested in Group-Based Care, and Why?

Study Objective To determine if pregnant adolescents interested in group-based prenatal care have different demographic and psychosocial characteristics than those interested in individual prenatal care. Factors that influence the preferred model of prenatal care patients were assessed. Design, Setting, and Participants Prospective comparison of demographic and psychosocial characteristics of 153 pregnant adolescents enrolled in an adolescent-oriented prenatal and pediatric program at Children's Hospital Colorado. Interventions None. Main Outcome Measures Pregnant study participants were queried and their preferred mode of prenatal care and reasons for that preference were examined. Results Younger (16 years and younger) and primiparous adolescents were more likely to be interested in group care. Those not interested in group-based care were more likely to smoke and wanted to be pregnant. Most participants were interested in group-based prenatal care to belong to a peer group, receive additional education and support, and to have fun. Reasons participants were not interested in group-based care included concerns about belonging to a group, preferring individual care, and experiencing logistical concerns such as scheduling conflicts, limited transportation, and childcare resources. Conclusions Identifying which patients are interested in group prenatal care influences development of the program model and recruiting procedures, maximizing the effectiveness of the program by offering services based on patient needs. Identifying factors that influence patients' prenatal care choices enables providers to offer support to reduce barriers to participation and structure care that is best suited to patients willing to commit to and engage in the program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]