MODELING THE SPATIAL-DISTRIBUTION OF TEENAGE CONCEPTION RATES WITHIN WESSEX

This study attempts to determine which factors account for the spatial variation in teenage conception rates within the former Wessex Region al Health Authority and what factors account for the eventual outcomes of these conceptions. Postcoded data on all teenage conceptions from 1991 to 1994 were collected and related to census ward level informati on and indicators of accessibility to family planning sen ices. The re sults show that the variation in teenage conception rates and concepti on outcomes is principally determined by the age of rite teenager; dep rivation levels, the presence of certain homogeneously distinct groups mid the distance to the nearest youth-oriented family planning clinic .