Psychosocial problems of pregnancy prevention in adolescents

To evaluate the role of the psychoemotional state in prevention of pregnancy in adolescents 100 teenage girls (12-16 years old) were followed up. The state of Psychosocial adaptation was evaluated for 6 parameters each parameter was assigned the rank 0 1 or 2 (a total score during abnormal adaptation was 4-6). The state of the neuro endocrine system was evaluated by the levels of leuenkephalins adrenocorticotropic hormone antidiuretic hormone catecholamines and corticosteroids. The girls were examined before and after therapy. When answering the anonymous questionnaire 90% indicated that sex education in the USSR is insufficient. The majority of responders (35%) learned about sex before the age of 7 20% became sexually active before the age of 13 years old. Only 25% of sexually active girls were using contraceptive agents; 60 girls had a history of 1-2 induced abortions. During the 1st examination the level of psychosocial adaptation was 4-5 points; the indices of the neuro-endocrine system exceeded normal values (adrenaline level exceeded noradrenaline level). During the counselling session sexually active teenage girls received information on the use of oral contraceptives and IUD. Treatment included psychotherapy electronarcosis and exercise therapy. Following treatment the level of psychosocial adaptation increased to 9 points; the indices of the neuro-endocrine system showed a tendency to normalization.