Action Research/Original Contribution Derek Renz Limestone Community High School Health Education Instructor

Teen Pregnancy in the United States In 2011, a total of 329,797 babies were born to women aged 1519 years, for a live birth rate of 31.3 per 1,000 women in this age group. This is a record low for U.S. teens in this age group, and a drop of 8% from 2010. Birth rates fell 11% for women aged 1517 years, and 7% for women aged 1819 years. While reasons for the declines are not clear, teens seem to be less sexually active, and more of those who are sexually active seem to be using birth control than in previous years. (CDC)

Teen pregnancy and childbearing bring substantial social and economic costs through immediate and long-term impacts on teen parents and their children (CDC). 2008, 11 Billion dollar cost to taxpayers. Pregnancy and birth are significant contributors to high school drop out rates among girls. Health of baby and mother.

Teen pregnancy prevention is one of CDCs top six priorities, a winnable battle in public health, and of paramount importance to health and quality of life for our youth. Evidencebased teen pregnancy prevention programs typically address specific protective factors on the basis of knowledge, skills, beliefs, or attitudes related to teen pregnancy (CDC).

Education

What type of education?

Abstinence Only? Abstinence Plus? Nothing? Which of these methods is more conducive to todays teenager?

Parental Support Community Support School Support

To be as informed/educated as I possibly can be. (Action Research/Masters Program) Continue to strive for new ways to instruct and educate our youth. Utilize the Action Research. Further communication between all parties. Reduce the rates of Teenage Pregnancy.

Student Survey (Freshman Health Students)

Question 1 What is your sex? Male= 54 Female=63 Total=117

Question 2 Sexual Activity? (Vaginal Sex) Male Yes=20 No=34 37%

Female
Total

Yes=12
Yes=32

No=51
No=85

19%
27%

Question 3 Sexual Activity? (Oral Sex) Male Female Yes=18 Yes=17 No=36 No=46 33% 27%

Total

Yes=35

No=82

30%

Student Survey (Freshman Health Students)

Question 4 Do you plan to save yourself to marriage?

Male
Female Total

Yes=9
Yes=17 Yes=26

No=18
No=17 No=35

?=27
?=29 ?=56

17%
27% 22%

Question 5 Have your parents discussed sex with you? Male Female Total Yes=43 Yes=45 Yes=88 No=11 No=18 No=29 80% 71% 75%

Student Survey (Freshman Health Students)

Parents/Family=12 (22%) Parents/Family=17 (27%) Parents/Family=29 (25%) School=21 (39%) School=9 (14%) School=30 (26%) Friends=13 (24%) Friends=18 (29%) Friends=31 (26%) Other=8 (15%) Other=19 (30%) Other=27 (23%)

Question 6 Where do you receive a majority of your sex education? Male Female Total

Question 7 What do you believe is the most effective method for sex education? Male Female Total Abstinence-Only=5 (9%) Abstinence-Only=4 (6%) Abstinence-Only=9 (8%) Abstinence-Plus=40 (74%) Abstinence-Plus=53 (84%) Abstinence-Plus=93 (79%) Nothing=9 (17%) Nothing=6 (10%) Nothing=15 (13%)

State of Illinois January, 1, 2014

Public Act 98-0441: Requirement that schools teach sex education in any grades 6-12 effective January 1, 2014 (ISBE).

Abstinence-based unit (With Options)

Teaching (Curriculum/Projects)
Womens Pregnancy Center(3 day presentation) Sexual Health, Feelings, Education STDs, Protection Options, Slide Show, Discussion Male/Female Reproductive System PowerPoint, Mapping, Discussion Pregnancy and Delivery stages PowerPoint, Discussion, Complications Costs of a Baby Project Computer Lab, Excel Spreadsheet

The survey indicates the numbers at Limestone Community High School is at the average for the age group. More action is needed with education at home. More emphasis on the school curriculum will be emphasized. Students will have access to survey results and help direct the curriculum utilized.

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) (2014). http://www.cdc.gov/teenpregnancy/abouttee npreg.htm Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) (2014). http://www.isbe.state.il.us/school_health.htm