Date of Award
5-2025
Document Type
Project
Degree Name
Master of Social Work
Department
School of Social Work
First Reader/Committee Chair
Li, Yawen
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Teen pregnancy remains a significant social issue in the United States, disproportionately affecting Hispanic/Latina adolescents. Research is highly needed to understand the factors contributing to high rates of teen pregnancy among Hispanics/Latinas. In 2020, Latina teen birth rates (25.3 per 1,000 females) exceeded that of White teens (11.4 per 1,000 teens) by a large margin (CDC, 2020). The purpose of this study is to explore the cultural factors, particularly religion and familial influences, on the high rates of teen pregnancy among Hispanics/Latinas. Qualitative data was collected using in-depth interviews with seven adult Hispanic/Latina women who have experienced teen pregnancy. Findings highlight Hispanic/Latina cultural influences such as religious beliefs, lack of sex education, generational teen pregnancies, and familism as risk factors for teen pregnancy. This study contributes to a nuanced understanding of teen pregnancy among Hispanics/Latinas, which could guide social workers to develop culturally sensitive strategies to address this issue.
Recommended Citation
Saldana, Nia, "CULTURAL RISK FACTORS FOR TEEN PREGNANCY IN HISPANIC/LATINA WOMEN: A QUALITATIVE STUDY" (2025). Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations. 2121.
https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd/2121
