One hundred sixty-six pregnant or parenting adolescent females completed a
survey regarding early sexual experiences (wanted and unwanted), family dys
function and violence, and health-risky behaviors occurring prior to age 18
. Fifty-three percent had at least one unwanted sexual experience. Younger
age at first unwanted sexual experience was associated with younger age at
first wanted sexual experience. Adolescent females with an unwanted sexual
experience, as compared to those without, were more likely to be victims of
physical violence, to have run away, to be substance abusers, and to have
family members with drug or alcohol problems. Four factors explained 39% of
the variance in age at first pregnancy: presence of a family member with a
drinking problem, age first got hit with a belt or other object by a famil
y member, age first got drunk, and age at first wanted sexual experience. I
t was concluded that the prevention of teenage pregnancy entails a multifac
eted approach that addresses family life, early sexual experiences, and hea
lth-risky behaviors.