Understanding Factors Linked to Adolescent Pregnancy: A Review of the Literature

The adolescent pregnancy rate in the United States is the highest among industrialized nations. It is important for professionals working with pregnant minors and adolescent mothers to understand the factors associated with adolescent pregnancy to avoid forming judgmental and negative attitudes towards this population. The purpose of this article is to outline the factors stated in the academic literature, that it may serve as a reference for professionals working with this population. The scientific literature underscores that multiple factors interact to influence adolescent sexual behavior, which may result to adolescent pregnancy. Understanding these factors with adolescent childbearing allows for a broader perspective and prevents simplistic thinking on a complex phenomenon.