Latino Teen Pregnancies There are many family types that can be considered high-risk. When dealing with these high risk families it is important to not make assumptions, get to know the members of the family, identify family strengths and needs, and implement a plan that has the most benefit the family and can accomplish the best outcomes. Teen pregnancy, especially in the Latino/Hispanic community is on the rise and higher than most other ethnicities and races. This paper will discuss teen pregnancy as a high risk family type, will address common health problems and mortality data for this family type, and will identify three to four health promotion and disease prevention objectives that are applicable to this family type.
Summary of Health Profile In the 1990s, in the United States, teen pregnancy and birth rates were on the decline. Data obtained from 2006 indicated that teen pregnancy rates were back on the rise. Latina teens, teens who are in the foster care system, and those who belong to gang groups are populations with a high rate of teen pregnancies. There are many downsides and negativities associated with teen pregnancies such as lack of education, they are more apt to live in poverty neighborhoods, are more likely to be on welfare and public assistance, and more likely to be in poor health. In 2004 teen pregnancy cost taxpayers more than $9.1 billion. Although the highest teen pregnancy increases were among African American teenagers at five percent, Caucasian pregnancy rates increased by three percent, and Hispanic pregnancies increased by two percent. Ironically, even though the Hispanic teens had the highest birth rate, they experienced the smallest rate increase. The Hispanic teen pregnancy rate is
