ETHNIC-DIFFERENCES IN CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENT SEXUAL ABUSE AND TEENAGE PREGNANCY

Purpose: This study examined ethnic differences in childhood and adole scent sexual abuse and the effect on teenage pregnancy rates. Methods: A 20-page questionnaire elicited information about women's sexual and pregnancy history, high-risk behaviors, and sexual abuse, based a mod ified version of the Koss and Oros Sexual Experiences Survey. Over 1,9 00 women between 18 and 22 years old were recruited at 44 urban and ru ral sites. Women representing four ethnic groups completed an English or Spanish version of the questionnaire. Results: Almost 36% of the wo men reported sex abuse before age 18 years of age, and more than 26% w ere pregnant before reaching 18 years old (teenage pregnancy). Compare d with their nonabused peers, twice as many women who were coerced int o sex or raped had a teenage pregnancy. Minority group teens were more likely than Angles to have a teenage pregnancy and to have been coerc ed into having sex, rather than raped, prior to teenage pregnancy. Con clusions: Over one-third of pregnant teenagers in this study have been sexually abused, usually involving sexual intercourse, prior to becom ing pregnant. Coercive sexual abuse is more likely to contribute to te enage pregnancy among minority group teens, whereas rape is more likel y to contribute to a teenage pregnancy among Anglos. (C) Society for A dolescent Medicine, 1997.