PURPOSE: This study examined ethnic differences in childhood and
adolescent sexual abuse and the effect on teenage pregnancy
rates. METHODS: A 20-page questionnaire elicited information about
women's sexual and pregnancy history, high-risk behaviors, and sexual
abuse, based a modified version of the Koss and Oros Sexual
Experiences Survey. Over 1,900 women between 18 and 22 years old were
recruited at 44 urban and rural sites. Women representing four ethnic
groups completed an English or Spanish version of the
questionnaire. RESULTS: Almost 36% of the women reported sex abuse
before age 18 years of age, and more than 26% were pregnant before
reaching 18 years old (teenage pregnancy). Compared with their
nonabused peers, twice as many women who were coerced into sex or
raped had a teenage pregnancy. Minority group teens were more likely
than Anglos to have a teenage pregnancy and to have been coerced into
having sex, rather than raped, prior to teenage
pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Over one-third of pregnant teenagers in this
study have been sexually abused, usually involving sexual intercourse,
prior to becoming pregnant. Coercive sexual abuse is more likely to
contribute to teenage pregnancy among minority group teens, whereas
rape is more likely to contribute to a teenage pregnancy among
Anglos.