Reducing Teen Pregnancy in Hampton: A systematic review of Evidence based Interventions and Effective Programs to support Teen Parents (Published)
Teen pregnancy remains a significant public health concern in the United States, particularly in Virginia, where the rates, although declining, continue to pose substantial challenges. This paper aims to evaluate evidence-based interventions and the effectiveness of programs designed to reduce teen pregnancy and support teen parents especially in Hampton, Virginia. A comprehensive search of peer-reviewed articles, government reports, and program evaluations was conducted using databases such as PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria were studies published between 2000 and 2023 that focused on interventions aimed at reducing teen pregnancy and supporting teen parents in the U.S., with specific attention to those implemented in Virginia. Data were extracted and synthesized from selected studies to assess the effectiveness of various interventions, including sexual education, contraceptive access, community-based programs, and support services. The review included 15 most related studies, encompassing a variety of interventions. Comprehensive sexual education programs were found to significantly delay sexual initiation and increase contraceptive use among adolescents. Contraceptive access initiatives, particularly those promoting long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), effectively reduced teen pregnancy rates. Community-based programs that provided holistic support services demonstrated improvements in both pregnancy prevention and the well-being of teen parents and their children. Support services for teen parents, such as parenting education and childcare assistance, were critical in improving educational and economic outcomes. The findings highlight the importance of multi-component, evidence-based interventions in reducing teen pregnancy and supporting teen parents. Comprehensive sexual education, enhanced contraceptive access, community-based support, and targeted services for teen parents are essential components of effective strategies. Policymakers and practitioners in Virginia should prioritize these approaches to address the persistent issue of teen pregnancy and improve outcomes for teen parents and their children.
Keywords: community-based programs, contraceptive access, evidence-based interventions, sexual education, support services, teen pregnancy