Demographic and relationship predictors of paternity establishment for infants born to adolescent mothers

Abstract

Study objective: To identify demographic and relationship characteristics associated with paternity establishment for children born to adolescent mothers. PARTICIPANTS, SETTING, AND DESIGN: This prospective cohort study included 300 pregnant adolescents 12-19 years old, presenting for prenatal care between March 2002 and February 2005. Demographic and relationship characteristics were compared based on paternity establishment (father's name on the infant's birth certificate).

Main outcome measure: Paternity establishment (father's name on the infant's birth certificate).

Results: Of the 273 participants with outcome data, 54% established paternity. Paternity establishment differed by maternal race/ethnicity (69% Hispanic vs 36% non-Hispanic Black vs 52% non-Hispanic White, P = .01), maternal age (37% for 12-15 years vs 64% for 18-19 years, P = .01), maternal country of birth (48% U.S. born vs 76% non-U.S. born, P = .01), relationship with father of the infant, and father involvement at the time of delivery.

Conclusion: Paternity establishment rates for children born to teens were low overall. To increase rates of paternity establishment, policies and programs need to consider the unique characteristics and circumstances of teen parents.