Koniak-Griffin D, Mathenge C, Anderson NL, Verzemnieks I. An early intervention program for adolescent mothers: a nursing demonstration project.
J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs 1999;
28:51-9. [PMID:
9924864 DOI:
10.1111/j.1552-6909.1999.tb01964.x]
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To improve health outcomes in a vulnerable population of adolescent mothers and their infants.
DESIGN
Effects of an intensive early intervention program (EIP) are compared with those of traditional public health nursing (TPHN) care.
SETTING
A large California county with urban and rural communities, an ethnically diverse population, and a high teen birth rate.
PARTICIPANTS
One hundred twenty-one young mothers and their children from impoverished and predominantly minority backgrounds.
INTERVENTIONS
During pregnancy and through 1 year postpartum, participants (n=63) in the EIP were provided with 4 prenatal classes and approximately 17 home visits by specially trained public health nurses. Interventions addressed health issues, sexuality and family planning, life skills, the maternal role, and social support systems. Participants in TPHN (n=58) received three home visits (for intake, prenatal care, and postpartum/well-baby care information).
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Antepartum, intrapartum, and newborn medical records; maternal responses to written questionnaires; and nurse interviews.
RESULTS
Early program outcomes indicate reduced premature birth rates for both groups compared with national data on adolescent mothers, and fewer days of infant hospitalization during the first 6 weeks postpartum for the EIP participants.
CONCLUSION
Public health nurse care (both traditional and intensive) significantly improved perinatal outcomes; the intensive intervention significantly reduced the number of infant hospitalization days.
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