National Phone App for Linking Adolescents to Local Pregnancy Prevention Resources

Teen pregnancy rates remain high particularly among racial/ethnic minority youth and age of onset for sexual activity has decreased significantly in recent years. As young teenagers initiate dating and sexual activity during the years of middle school, there are often few resources available for accurate information about pregnancy prevention and reproductive health. Furthermore, teens may not know where to turn to obtain this information and may be reluctant to ask questions about this sensitive topic. The goal of the proposed Phase I application is to develop a mobile phone app (MTeenHealth+) for teen pregnancy prevention that 1) provides accurate and evidence-based health information to teens to increase health-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding pregnancy prevention and sexual health; 2) guides teens in how to discuss sexual health issues with dating/sexual partners and/or caring adults; 3)serves as a tool for parents, other caring adults, and professionals that work with early adolescents (e.g., school guidance counselors, health educators, teachers, and health care providers) to initiate conversations and provide referrals to information and services regarding pregnancy prevetion; and 4)directly links teens to local pregnancy prevention resources in their communities (e.g., GPS links to clinics) as well as high quality online information and services. The mobile phone app will be designed for adolescents from age 11 to 20 years of age, a wide range of users with different developmental needs. In the proposed project, we will conduct a needs assessment by conducting focus groups with teens, parents, professionals that work with these youth, and providers from community-based organizations that focus on pregnancy prevention.