Evaluation of raising adolescent families together program: a medical home for adolescent mothers and their children

Am J Public Health. 2012 Oct;102(10):1879-85. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2012.300766. Epub 2012 Aug 16.

Abstract

Objectives: This study described a medical home model for adolescent mothers and their children, and their 1- and 2-year preventive care, repeat pregnancy, and psychosocial outcomes.

Methods: In this prospective, single cohort demonstration project, adolescent mothers (14-18 years old) and their children received care in a medical home. Demographic, medical and social processes, and outcomes data were collected at enrollment through 24 months. Change over time and predictors of repeat pregnancy were analyzed.

Results: A total of 181 adolescents enrolled, with 79.6% participating for 2 years. At 2 years, 90.2% of children were completely immunized. Children and adolescent mothers met standards for health care visits, and adolescent condom use improved. Rates of cumulative repeat pregnancy were 14.7% and 24.6%, school attendance 77.6% and 68.7%, and employment 21.2% and 32.3% at 1 and 2 years, respectively.

Conclusions: A medical home model with comprehensive and integrated medical care and social services can effectively address the complex needs of adolescent parents and their children.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Cohort Studies
  • Condoms / statistics & numerical data
  • Family Health*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Massachusetts
  • Maternal-Child Health Centers*
  • Models, Organizational
  • Mothers / psychology*
  • Patient-Centered Care*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy in Adolescence / prevention & control*
  • Primary Prevention
  • Program Evaluation
  • Prospective Studies
  • Social Support*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires