Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

School

Public Health

Advisor

Chester Jones

Abstract

Increasing rates of adolescent unwanted pregnancies can be detrimental to families and the health of the infant. Rates of teen pregnancy among Blacks, Whites, Asians, and other races has decreased; however, the Latino population has not seen similar declining numbers. The Hispanic population currently has the highest rate of teen pregnancy that continues to increase in comparison to any other racial–ethnic group. In this study involving data from the Youth Risk Behavioral Surveillance System, a sample of 17,303 was used. Chi-square analyses and descriptive frequencies were used to identify associations between teen pregnancy and sexual behaviors; and how existing programs work to address these concerns. Latino adolescents in the Midwest are significantly less likely to adhere to programming that seeks to address and encourage healthier sexual habits.The purpose of this study is to better understand if there is a significant association between geographical location (population size, regions, areas) and rate of sexual behaviors (number of partners, first sexual contact, use of contraceptives) among Latino adolescents in the Midwest. Findings demonstrate that the Latino population of the Midwestern United States has a significant association between geographical location (population size, regions, areas) and rate of sexual behaviors (number of partners, first sexual contact, use of contraceptives), among adolescents of Latino background in the Midwest. These results may have positive social implications in the Latino communities of the Midwest. Some of proposed changes could involve revisions or enhancement to existing programs like the Illinois Department of Human Services: Sexual Education and The Sexual Abuse Education Prevention program in Minnesota that will in turn result in meeting some of the educational needs of Latino adolescents in the Midwest.

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