Crichlow-Scales, Vena R

Description

Degree Type: thesisDegree Name: Master of Arts (MA)Date of Degree: 1998Granting Institution: Clark Atlanta UniversityDepartment/ School: Africana Women's Studies DepartmentThis study examines reproductive rights issues among African American adolescent females who are at risk for unintended pregnancy and HIV infection. The study sample for this study consisted of 37 African American adolescent females, residents of Atlanta, Georgia. Quantitative and content analyses were used to analyze data extracted from focus groups. A survey instrument, focus group guide, coding and analysis system were developed. The conclusions drawn from this research indicate that African American adolescent females: 1) have moderate to high levels of HIV prevention knowledge and 2) use contraceptive measures such as condoms, Norplant and Depo Provera to prevent pregnancy. In the study population, preventing pregnancy is the main concern. Condoms were used primarily to prevent sexually transmitted diseases, not to prevent pregnancy. Therefore, contraceptive technologies that most effectively prevent pregnancy are common. Methods such as Depo Provera and Norplant which are considered viable solutions to preventing pregnancy have compromised the reproductive autonomy of these young women because they ultimately deny the user full control over her reproductive health as they do not prevent STDs. The researcher concluded that because of the historical perception of African American women and their sexuality, preventing pregnancy among African American adolescent females has become an important focus in their reproductive health agenda. Strategies that seek to reduce the rate of unintended pregnancy ultimately force African American adolescent females into a position of powerlessness and deny...

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Clark Atlanta University

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Digital Library of Georgia