This study was designed to explore the factors regarding unique determinants of repeat childbearing among teens. The influence that key people have on subsequent teen childbearing is examined. Data for this research were gathered in focus groups with teen mothers and parents of teen mothers who access the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in Georgia. Based on the results, repeated childbearing appears to occur within the context of poor parent-child relations, conflicting support for the roles teen mothers are expected to assume, limited social pressures for effective fathering, and limited access to social services for all family members. Pregnancy prevention efforts by agencies for teen mothers should coordinate services for the teen mother, her parent, and her partner.
PIP: This study examined in focus groups the determinants of repeat adolescent childbearing in Georgia, US. Data were obtained from a sample of teenage mothers (TMs) and mothers of TMs who used Georgia's Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Nine focus groups were conducted among 64 participants and analyzed for content. The convenience sample was recruited from WIC offices in 3 urban and 2 rural counties among WIC mothers with at least 1 child by the age of 17 years. Findings indicate that repeat childbearing is associated with poor parent-child relations, conflicting support for the roles that TMs are expected to fulfill, limited social pressures for effective fathering, and limited access to social services for all family members. TMs mentioned alienation from their own mothers and difficulty in talking about sexual issues. Mothers of childbearing teens expressed anger at their daughters. TMs and their mothers believed that the 1st births should have been delayed. Mothers and grandmothers differed in their thoughts about the burdens of childbearing. Many grandmothers cared for their grandchildren. Fathers were proud of the pregnancy, but less eager to provide supportive roles for their children. Peer acceptance of early childbearing was influential. Most appreciated WIC, but some thought family planning ought to be a requirement for receipt of WIC benefits. Schools did not provide allowances for missed classes, but WIC programs were a supportive environment. Teens believed that health education should focus on risk taking.