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Adolescent Pregnancy and History of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES): Evaluating an Educational Program for Health Care Providers
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Abstract
Background: Females with histories of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are at greater risk for pregnancy as adolescents. There is a lack of knowledge about, and screening for histories of ACEs among adolescents. Purpose: To increase health care providers’ knowledge about the relationship between a history of ACEs and adolescent pregnancy, and the importance of screening for childhood adversity among adolescents. Methods: An educational program was developed based on evidence-based research on individuals with ACEs having higher rates of adolescent pregnancy compared to those who had not. Health care providers’ knowledge of the association between a history of ACEs and adolescent pregnancy, and importance of screening for ACEs was measured using a pre and post assessment tool. Results: Fifty percent of pediatric providers in an urban community health center in Boston participated in the educational program. One hundred percent of participants believed adolescent pregnancy was associated with a history of ACEs; and 66.67% routinely screened for ACEs in their practice prior to the program. One hundred percent of participants reported intentions to screen after the program. Following the educational program and a discussion about the importance of screening and possible interventions to implement when screening, 100% of participants reported plans to screen. Conclusion: An increase was seen in the knowledge of providers about the relationship between ACEs and adolescent pregnancy and importance of screening. Participants reported an increase in intentions to screen routinely for ACEs. Time remains a barrier to providing comprehensive services to patients. Patients are referred to the behavioral health department for further discussion, follow up and supportive services.
Type
Capstone Project (Campus Only)
Date
2023-05
Publisher
License
License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/