Social predictors of repeat adolescent pregnancy and focussed strategies

This article begins with an overview of teenage pregnancy within a social context. Data are then presented on conceptions and repeat conceptions in teenagers. Social predictors of repeat teenage pregnancy are grouped according to social ecological theory. A brief summary of prevention of teenage pregnancy in general is followed by a detailed analysis of studies of interventions designed to prevent repeat pregnancy that reached specific quality criteria. The results of some systematic reviews show no significant overall effect on repeat pregnancy, whereas others show an overall significant reduction. Youth development programmes are shown in some cases to lower pregnancy rates but in other cases to have no effect or even to increase them. Features of secondary prevention programmes more likely to be successful are highlighted.