Development of a Young Parents' Guide for Income, Education, Employment, and Health Resources in Southcentral Alaska

Abstract

The issue of pregnancy at a younger age is a global problem that affects the socioeconomic status of people living in our community. The goal of this project was to compile a working, comprehensive, accurate and easy to read resource guide. The primary users of the guide are to be youth who may be planning to be pregnant, pregnant, engaging in risky sexual behaviors which may or may not lead to pregnancy, and/or parenting. Other intended users of the guide are to be workers in the social services and public health field. The resource guide created was assessed by the investigator to be the first of its kind specific to the target population within the Southcentral Alaska region. This study recommends that when working amongst this population that public health practices be used in conjunction with social services, keeping in mind the importance of preventative as well as intervention methods. Mainly, it is suggested that social services sites provide a brief and accurate list of useful links to other resources they recommend for further assistance. Utilizing the Health Belief Model, the intent of this project was to empower young people in this situation to have the knowledge and resources necessary to make informed decisions regarding their health and future.