Perceived susceptibility to pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease among pregnant and nonpregnant adolescents

This study of urban adolescent females investigated predictors of perceived susceptibility to single and dual sexual outcomes (pregnancy only, sexually transmitted disease [STD] only, pregnancy and STDs). Thirty percent of participants felt susceptible to dual sexual outcomes. We developed a predictive model of perceived susceptibility to pregnancy/STDs from sexual risk‐behavior, sexual consequences (e.g., recent pregnancy and STD), relationship, cognitive, psychological, and personal factors. Dual pregnancy and STD susceptibility was associated with more than one sexual partner in the past year, no hormonal contraception use, inconsistent condom use, not being pregnant, and White race. In contrast, pregnancy‐only susceptibility was associated with only hormonal contraceptive use and not being pregnant. Finally, STD susceptibility was associated with more than one sexual partner in the past year, no hormonal contraceptive use, and low self‐esteem. We must understand how individuals perceive their susceptibility to complex combinations of reproductive health outcomes (e.g., pregnancy and STDs) to design interventions to increase condom and contraceptive use among adolescent females.