The Young Moms Relationship Project: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study to Develop Dating Violence and Sexual Risk Prevention for Young Mothers

Introduction: Young mothers are at greater risk than non-parenting peers for dating violence (DV) and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, but evidence-based interventions to reduce both DV and sexual risk in young mothers’ relationships are limited. Guided by social learning theory and romantic attachment theory, we conducted a mixed-methods pilot study to inform the development of a targeted DV and sexual risk prevention intervention for young mothers to be delivered in medical settings (Pediatrics, Ob/Gyn) where they are already engaged. We will present results related to the three primary goals of the pilot study. First, we collected quantitative data on the prevalence of DV, sexual risk behaviors, and related relationship characteristics to identify potential intervention targets. Second, we conducted qualitative interviews to gather in-depth information about participants’ relationships, risk behaviors, relationships skills, and prevention needs. Finally, this study provided an opportunity to test and refine procedures for recruiting and engaging young mothers in prevention research.

Methods: Twenty young mothers (ages 16-21, 50% Hispanic, 33% Black/African-American, 67% unemployed, 83% high school graduates) were recruited from primarily urban ambulatory medical clinics and community agencies. Participants completed 13 questionnaires assessing DV, sexual risk behaviors, relationship qualities and skills, attachment, and mental health functioning. Participants also completed semi-structured interviews describing their relationship experiences and thoughts, feelings and behaviors related to DV, sexual health, and communication with partners. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded in multiple rounds by two coders using an iterative, grounded theory approach.

Results: Both DV and sexual risk behaviors were common in young mothers’ relationships: 83% reported DV involvement, none of the participants used a condom at last sex, and none intended to use a condom the next time she has sex. Qualitative data suggest that young mothers would benefit from learning emotion regulation, communication, and problem-solving skills. Barriers to recruitment included high no-show rates for medical appointments (76%) and lack of child care during study visits. However, when potential participants learned about the study, most (87%) agreed to participate, and no-show rates for study visits were low (10%).

Conclusions: We will discuss how we are using both the quantitative and qualitative results pilot study results to develop a targeted DV and sexual risk prevention intervention for young mothers. Lessons learned from our experiences recruiting and engaging young mothers in research in community and medical settings will also be presented.