Predictors of sexual intercourse and rapid-repeat pregnancy among teenage mothers: an Australian prospective longitudinal study

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To examine the determinants of pregnancy within 2 years of a teenager giving birth for the first time (rapid-repeat pregnancy [RRP]) and resumption of sexual intercourse after the birth. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Prospective cohort study between June 2004 and September 2006 at the sole tertiary obstetric hospital in Western Australia involving teenagers who gave birth for the first time. Data were collected using questionnaires at recruitment, 6 weeks and 3-monthly intervals for up to 2 years postpartum. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: RRP and time to a return to sexual intercourse after giving birth. RESULTS: Of the 147 participants, 49 (33%) experienced an RRP. Sexual intercours..