Sexual and fertility behaviors of American females aged 15-19 years: 1985,1990, and 1995

Objectives. This study characterized changes in sexual and reproductive beh aviors from 1985 through 1995 among American females aged 15 to 19 years an d related these changes to family factors. Methods. Nationally representative sample survey data from the 1895 Nationa l Survey of Family Growth were analyzed with Weibull hazards models of age at first intercourse and first pregnancy and with logistic regression model s of contraceptive use at first intercourse and pregnancy outcome. Results. Improvements in the family socioeconomic situations of young a ome n have lessened the risk of teen motherhood, while changes in family struct ure have increased the risk. Young women whose parents have more than a hig h school education, who live with both parents, and who attend church delay the timing of first sexual intercourse and are more likely to use a contra ceptive. Conclusions. The trend of increases in teenage motherhood has ended owing t o a halt in increases in the proportion of sexually active young women and substantial improvement in contraception, with die greatest improvements am ong those from advantageous family situations.