Community Health Nursing Assessment NU 484: Concordia University, NE Nicole Rea, RNBC

Community Assessment --Lincoln, NE area/community --Teen moms ages 15-19yrs --unmarried

Health Perception/Health Management Pattern  Teens avoid or cannot afford prenatal care  Teens fear telling their parents about their pregnancy  According to the CDC: # live births for teens 15-19yrs in 2011 was 329,772 (31.3%)  : NE teen birth rates are down 13%, but still pose public health risks

Nutritional Metabolic Pattern  Teen moms tend to be malnourished  Teen moms tend to use illicit drugs/alcohol  May rely on a stable home for nutrition or “junk food”

Community Assessment Activity/Exercise Pattern  Teen moms if already active may continue their regimens to hide their weight gain  Others may avoid exercise and wear loose baggy clothes to avoid getting caught  Some teens may not be living in healthy environments if parents are not involved Sleep/Rest Pattern  Poor sleep habits  Some teen moms continue with their late night party habits despite their pregnancy

Community Assessment Cognitive Perceptual Pattern  Education levels vary  Many young teen moms drop out of school (90% across the US) Self Perception Pattern  Living situations and socioeconomical levels vary  Teens usually get pregnant during vulnerable times in their life  Poor self-esteem  Lack of confidence/purpose in life  Lack of respect for their bodies  Depression/anxiety

Community Assessment: Role Relationship Pattern  Teen moms tend to stick together in their own groups or get shoved to the back with others in school  Most are nonworking so rely on parents or others for financial stability (2008 NE taxpayers cost was $67 million for teen pregnancies)  Poor relationships with parents  Some violence within families/homes

Community Assessment Sexuality Reproductive Pattern  One or multiple pregnancies  Unprotected sex with multiple partners  Poor birth control use Coping/Stress Tolerance Pattern  Increased stress due to lack of education/support  Many local support groups: Planned Parenthood, Lincoln Crisis Pregnancy Center, Youth for Christ etc.  Increased drug and alcohol abuse  Most unemployed and pregnancy costs are high

Value/Belief Pattern Lack of community involvement with teen pregnancy Lack of social support for defiant youth/teens Increased abortion laws in NE

Problem Analysis  Lack of support and prenatal care for teens moms can be a major health concern in this community

Plan/Diagnose Educate  Educate parents and teens about pregnancy, birth control and safe sex Support  Encourage parents to be supportive and to talk with teens regularly

Plan/Diagnose Healthy People 2020  Leading health indicators:  Reproductive and sexual health  Social determinants  Substance abuse  Access to health services Nursing Diagnosis  At risk for health complications among NE teen moms related to lack of prenatal care, fear, and knowledge deficit  Risk for STD’s among NE teen moms related to knowledge deficit, poor self-esteem and lack of support systems

Interventions/Evaluations  Change laws to be sure sex education is required in NE  Provide sex education early (before age 15)  Make parents attend/support

Interventions/Evaluations  Provide resources for families/students during education  Provide more support to those with less active parents  School nurses to provide support and care for teen moms  Encourage prenatal care early  Survey students for sexual activity every year  Use community support groups to help decrease teen pregnancies, educate and prevent health issues

Resources     Stanhope, M. & Lancaster, J. (2010) Foundations of nursing in the community: community-oriented practice. 3 rd Edition. Mosby Inc.