Teenage Pregnancy

UK has highest teenage birth rates in Europe (2nd in world to U.S.A.)Twice as high as Germany, three as high as France and 6 times as

high as The NetherlandsReducing under age conception rate was Health of the Nation

target ,the rate peaked in the’90’s at 46.5 per 1000 for 15-17 year oldsInfant mortality rate in teenagers more than 50% higher than average,

plus increased risk of maternal mortality

Improvements in teenage pregnancy rates Government strategies have reduced under

age conceptions by over 13% since 1998 Include-Better sex education

Better services for young people around sexual health e.g. Step-In Clinics

More training for health professionals

Abortion

In 2000, 54.5% of conceptions to under 16’s ended in legal abortion

Sexually transmitted infections (S.T.I.)

Even though teen pregnancies have reduced S.T.I.s have been rising alarmingly

Some reports suggest up to 10% of 16-19 year old women have CHLAMYDIA which can cause infertility and ectopic pregnancy

H.I.V. increased by 20% from 2001 to ’02 in heterosexuals

Between ’99 and 2000 there was a 27% rise in gonnorrhoea

S.T.I.

Rise in S.T.I.s may be partly due to increased testing but must also be due to rise in unprotected sex

This is coupled with the fact that research has shown that most young people have never heard of chlamydia

School nurses role to highlight these issues to young people and make them aware of safe sex and where to go for help