RT Journal
A1 McAnarney ER, Hendee WR
T1 THe prevention of adolescent pregnancy
JF JAMA
JO JAMA
YR 1989
FD July 7
VO 262
IS 1
SP 78
OP 82
DO 10.1001/jama.1989.03430010090037
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.1989.03430010090037
AB THE PREVENTION of adolescent pregnancy and its consequences must be considered at several levels. Primary prevention focuses on preventing pregnancy by the development of responsible sexual behaviors by means such as influencing cultural attitudes and values, teaching about sexuality in the clinical environment, and discussing the subject in school. Secondary prevention considers the prevention of pregnancy by encouraging contraception for sexually active young people. Tertiary prevention addresses the prevention of morbidity in young mothers and their children through adequate prenatal care and follow-up. Although most professionals agree that abortion is not a desirable form of pregnancy prevention, it should be included in discussions of tertiary prevention.It is difficult to separate the different levels of prevention in an absolute sense. For example, the physician may provide primary and secondary prevention services in the office, and sex and family life education may cover all levels.The following principles underlie this report: