Abstract:

Objective To investigate the status and requirement of knowledge of reproduction and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)/sexually transmited disease (STD) in pregnant adolescents with abortion in order to conduct proper interventions. Methods Two hundred and ninety-one unmarried pregnant adolescents below 22 years old with abortion completed questionnaires which involved the information on individual social-demographics characteristics, knowledge of reproduction, AIDS/STD and sex-related beliefs, attitudes and partners. Results Among these 291 adolescents, 37.7% experienced first sexual intercourse before 19 years old, 69.1% performed well in the knowledge of reproduction, and 62.6% and 43.5% did well in the knowledge of AIDS and the knowledge of the other STD, respectively. The rate of implementation of contraception was far less than that of awarenesss of contraception（P<0.05）. These pregnant adolescents were not enthusiastic for seeking reproductive knowledge, and 45.0% would like to acquire the knowledge from professionals. Conclusion The knowledge of reproduction and AIDS/STD in the pregnant adolescents is not adequate, and they fail to carry out the proper behaviors of contraception. More education should be conducted on AIDS/STD prevention and contraception among pregnant adolescents.

Key words: pregnant adolescent, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, sexually transmitted diseases,
reproductive health education