Pregnancy among urban African-American teens: Ambivalence about prevention

Objective: To develop a better understanding of the beliefs and influences that predispose teen females to early pregnancy. Methods: We conducted focu s groups with 37 nonparenting, African-American females 14-17 years old rec ruited from an urban, hospital outpatient clinic. Results: Participants sug gested that although pregnancy and parenting are best delayed until one is older, they American females 14-17 years old recruited from an urban, hospi tal outpatient clinic. Results: Participants suggested that although pregna ncy and parenting are best delayed until one is older, they are common, man ageable experiences, Contraceptive use was deemed as important, though cont raceptive options were often perceived as ineffective, unsafe, or unpleasan t. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of developing further r esearch to understand ambivalence and interventions to address ambivalent a ttitudes.