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A Retrospective Study Of Teen Pregnancy In West Virginia From 2003 -2008: A Descriptive Analysis, Emily L. Mccave Msw, Phd, Ashlea Shiflet Msw Candidate

Contemporary Rural Social Work Journal

In 2006, West Virginia surpassed the national average birth rate for teens ages 15 to 19 years old. Through the use of the state wide Birth Score data, this article presents a retrospective examination of 8,094 teens who gave birth in West Virginia during the years of 2003-2008. Descriptive data on health issues such as prenatal care, infant birth weight and mortality, as well as demographic characteristics, such a racial background and Medicaid status are presented. Implications of these health issues are discussed along with special considerations for health providers who work within the Appalachian region.