Which statement best reflects a risk factor for adolescent pregnancy among the listed items?

Which statement best reflects a risk factor for adolescent pregnancy among the listed items?

• A. Early onset of sexual activity
• B. Familiarity with fertility knowledge
• C. Sporadic contraceptive use
• D. Low self-image

Answer: (B)

Understanding risk factors for adolescent pregnancy starts with recognizing elements that increase both sexual activity and the chance of pregnancy when contraception isn’t consistently used. Early initiation of sexual activity raises exposure to pregnancy risk. Sporadic or inconsistent contraceptive use creates gaps where pregnancy can occur. Low self-image or low self-esteem is linked to less negotiation power and reduced likelihoods of seeking or using effective contraception, which also raises risk. Familiarity with fertility knowledge, in contrast, is typically protective. Knowing how fertility works and understanding contraception generally helps a teen plan and take steps to prevent pregnancy; it’s more about empowerment and informed decision-making than about increased risk. In practice, the focus should be on ensuring access to contraception, improving confidence in making safe choices, and providing thorough, age-appropriate sexual health education. If you’re studying from a test key that marks familiarity with fertility knowledge as a risk factor, consider that such a key may reflect a tricky or misleading phrasing. The important concept to internalize is that knowledge about fertility and contraception tends to reduce risk, while early sexual activity, inconsistent contraception, and low self-image increase risk.

Understanding risk factors for adolescent pregnancy starts with recognizing elements that increase both sexual activity and the chance of pregnancy when contraception isn’t consistently used. Early initiation of sexual activity raises exposure to pregnancy risk. Sporadic or inconsistent contraceptive use creates gaps where pregnancy can occur. Low self-image or low self-esteem is linked to less negotiation power and reduced likelihoods of seeking or using effective contraception, which also raises risk.

Familiarity with fertility knowledge, in contrast, is typically protective. Knowing how fertility works and understanding contraception generally helps a teen plan and take steps to prevent pregnancy; it’s more about empowerment and informed decision-making than about increased risk. In practice, the focus should be on ensuring access to contraception, improving confidence in making safe choices, and providing thorough, age-appropriate sexual health education.

If you’re studying from a test key that marks familiarity with fertility knowledge as a risk factor, consider that such a key may reflect a tricky or misleading phrasing. The important concept to internalize is that knowledge about fertility and contraception tends to reduce risk, while early sexual activity, inconsistent contraception, and low self-image increase risk.