NCJ Number
136712
Journal
Journal of Adolescent Health Volume: 12 Issue: 7 Dated: special issue (November 1991) Pages: 528-533
Date Published
1991
Length
6 pages
Annotation
In 1989, researchers at the University of Washington's Division of Adolescent Medicine investigated the multifactorial risks of pregnancy for adolescents engaged in prostitution activities.
Abstract
The sample population comprised 55 infants born to 54 adolescents with histories of prostitution and survival sex who were between 14 and 20 years of age. The adolescents delivered between November 1987 and November 1989 in Seattle, and maternal and birth outcome data were collected in a retrospective chart review. Maternal factors evaluated were age, ethnic group, substance abuse history, number of prenatal visits, maternal complications, and parity. Infant charts were reviewed for the following characteristics: birth weight, occipitofrontal head circumference, length, Apgar scores, and neonatal complications. Results indicated high rates of maternal and infant complications with respect to preterm birth, precipitous delivery, pregnancy-induced hypertension, positive toxicology screens, meconium staining, infant hypertonicity, and small for gestational age infants. The chaotic lifestyle of constant stress, poor nutrition, substance abuse, violence, and chronic illness placed pregnant adolescents involved in prostitution at even greater risk than the average pregnant adolescent. In addition, their mistrust and lack of understanding of the medical and social service systems prevented them from receiving the care they needed. 16 references, 4 tables, and 5 figures