The health promotion plan focuses on addressing the issue of teen pregnancy within a specific population. Teen pregnancy poses unique challenges and risks to the well-being of young individuals and their communities. By understanding the underlying factors contributing to this concern and utilizing evidence-based strategies, I can promote positive health outcomes and empower young individuals to make informed decisions. The plan will consider the social, cultural, and economic factors that influence teen pregnancy rates while also addressing the specific needs and circumstances of the targeted population. Through collaboration with healthcare professionals and utilizing available resources, I aim to develop realistic and effective interventions that will mitigate the risks associated with teen pregnancy.

Teen Pregnancy

Teen pregnancy is a significant health concern nationally and globally, with profound implications for individuals, families, and communities. According to the Healthy People 2030 initiative, the United States aims to reduce the rate of teen pregnancy to promote positive reproductive and sexual health outcomes for adolescents (Healthy People 2030, 2022). The initiative targets reducing the rate of pregnancies among females aged 15 to 17 years to 14.6 pregnancies per 1,000 females by 2030 (Monroe et al., 2023). Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the importance of addressing teen pregnancies to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs aim to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all, with specific targets to reduce adolescent pregnancy rates. According to WHO, an estimated 12 million girls aged 15 to 19 years give birth yearly, with the highest rates occurring in low- and middle-income countries (Sommer et al., 2021). These pregnancies can lead to various adverse outcomes, including increased maternal and child mortality risk, low birth weight, preterm birth, and socioeconomic challenges.

Additionally, adolescent mothers are at higher risk of experiencing complications during pregnancy and childbirth than adult women, leading to increased healthcare costs. Children born to teenage mothers also face higher risks of health and developmental issues, requiring additional healthcare resources. Furthermore, teen pregnancies often interrupt education and limit economic opportunities for the young mother and her child, resulting in long-term social and economic costs for individuals and communities. Moreover, the cost of teen pregnancies in the United States is estimated to be around $9.4 billion annually, including healthcare, foster care, incarceration, and lost tax revenue (Simon et al., 2022). Efforts to prevent teen pregnancies and promote sexual and reproductive health are crucial for improving the well-being of adolescents and reducing the associated burdens on healthcare systems and society as a whole.

Underlying Assumptions

First, the estimated cost of $9.4 billion annually is based on various factors such as healthcare expenses, foster care, and incarceration, which may vary across regions and populations (Simon et al., 2022). Additionally, the calculation does not capture indirect costs such as long-term educational and career opportunities forgone by teenage parents. There is also uncertainty regarding the accuracy of data sources and the methodologies used to estimate costs. Furthermore, the analysis assumes a causal relationship between teen pregnancies and the economic burdens identified, although other social and economic factors may contribute to these outcomes (Ridley et al., 2020). Therefore, while the cost estimate provides a useful indication, it is essential to consider these assumptions and uncertainties when interpreting the findings.

Health Concerns for Teenage Girls

Teen pregnancy is crucial to address in health promotion efforts within a specific population because it directly impacts the health and well-being of adolescents and their communities. By focusing on reducing teen pregnancy rates, health promotion initiatives can effectively mitigate the associated risks and promote positive reproductive and sexual health outcomes. In the United States, teen pregnancy rates have declined over the past few decades, but it remains a significant concern. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2020), there were approximately 16.7 births per 1,000 females aged 15 to 19 years, resulting in about 194,377 births to teenagers. These numbers highlight the issue’s magnitude and emphasize the need for targeted interventions.

Reducing teen pregnancy rates aligns with specific organizational policies and initiatives to promote adolescents’ well-being. For instance, the Healthy People 2030 initiative targets reducing pregnancies among females aged