| Description |
The purpose of the investigation was to obtain descriptive data regarding the informational interests of postpartal adolescent women and sexual partners. The research questions posed were: (1) what information does a postpartal adolescent and her partner possess concerning breast changes, vaginal bleeding, and sexual activities as they occur following childbirth? (2) what additional information does an adolescent and her partner perceive they need regarding breast changes, vaginal bleeding, and sexual activity following childbirth? Several OB-GYN hospital clinics in Denver, Colorado were utilized for data gathering. Data collection was accomplished through interviews and self-administered questionnaires completed by women during postpartum clinic visits four to twelve weeks following the woman's discharge from the hospital. Questionnaires were delivered to males by female partners. The sample consisted of 30 women between 15 and 19 years of age, and 10 male partners. Half of the women were married and half were single. All except three adolescent women had either resumed coitus following childbirth or were anticipating resumption of intercourse in the near future. Questionnaire results demonstrated that both male and female subjects perceived themselves as lacking information regarding postpartal breast changes, vaginal bleeding, and resumption of sexual activity. Requests for additional information were categorized and listed. Female respondents sought needed advice from written sources, physicians, nurses and mothers. Although male subjects also utilized written materials, they rarely consulted additional sources other than sexual partners. Contrary to expectation, males were not less likely than females to experience apprehension with resumption of postpartal sexual behavior. A large portion of male and female teenage childbearers evidenced premature termination of high school educations. Implications for clinical practice, and recommendation for future research were presented. |
