Abstract
Rural areas provide special problems and benefits to adolescent mothers. Lack of services is offset by more social stability. In a 24-month-old project a female nurse practitioner and a male social worker working in a rural school district have focused on family supports, including the adolescent's male partner. In 90% of 60 adolescent pregnancies the relationship between the mother and partner lasted over 9 months. Most males were over 20; only 20% were 18 or less. During pregnancy 77% of males provided emotional support; 52% provided financial support. Ten percent of the couples were married and 30% lived together. The males were at 62% of deliveries; 70% provided emotional support at the time. The first 3 months after birth were stressful with 28% of couples separating. Three months after delivery 50% of partners provided financial support and 48% helped with child care. At this time, 21% are married, 33% live together, 45% of the males provide some child care, 45% provide financial support, and 57% are involved with the mother. During the 24-month study there was known physical violence in 20% of the relationships. Mild physical violence was directed at the child by the male partner in 10%. There was more involvement of the male during pregnancy and delivery than later. The decrease in male interest between 1 and 3 months post partum was a stress for the mother. Physical violence between adolescent partners was a significant problem.
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Compton, B., Hughes, J., Stein, J. et al. SUPPORT PROVIDED TO RURAL, ADOLESCENT MOTHERS BY THEIR MALE PARTNERS. Pediatr Res 18 (Suppl 4), 96 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198404001-00019
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198404001-00019