Despite a recent decrease in the adolescent pregnancy rate, the United States continues to lead the industrialized world in this category. The two closest countries are the United Kingdom and Japan, reporting less than one-half the pregnancy rates of the United States (Foster, 1997). It has been suggested through research that knowledge of age-appropriate sexuality and reproductive health may help delay the onset of first coitus, thereby reducing the occurrence of unplanned adolescent pregnancy (Kirby, 1997).

A descriptive design was utilized to analyze the sex knowledge of pregnant or parenting adolescents. It was hypothesized that these adolescents lacked general knowledge of human sexuality and reproductive health. Research subjects were adolescent females ranging in age from 14 to 20 years. Some of these adolescents were participants in the Parenting Program offered by the City of Erie School District and some were clients of the Family Health Council, Inc. in Erie, PA.

Results of this research indicated a high degree of misinformation or lack of information regarding human sexuality and birth control. Knowledge of general reproductive health was low, as well as well as accurate information about methods of birth control. Utilizing Orem’s (1995) theory of self-care, a self-care deficit was identified.