Evaluation of a Program for Preventing Adolescent Pregnancy

Birth-control services with intensive individual and group counseling were provided for preventing unplanned pregnancy in sexually active nulliparous adolescents. During the first two years of the program 100 girls were placed on contraception. Despite intensive follow-up efforts, only 50 per cent remained active with the program one year after admission. However, almost half the younger adolescents were still active in the program at the end of two years. Side effects were minimal, except for weight gain, which was most frequent among girls who were overweight at the time of admission to the program. These observations indicate the complexities involved and demonstrate the need for an interdisciplinary team approach in the prevention of adolescent pregnancy.