FAQ's
A: Yes, teen birth rates have dropped to a new low every year since 2009, however U.S. teen birth rates are still higher compared to other developed countries, including Canada and the United Kingdom.
A: In 2019, Tennessee ranks at No. 10 out of 50 states in the number of teen births among girls ages 15-19. According to 2019 summary of teen pregnancy risk report, the highest rates of teen births were in Shelby, Davidson, Knox, and Hamilton counties.
A: Black, Hispanic, and Latino teens have higher rates of teenage pregnancy than White teens, those from rural and low-income communities, and those with higher Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), such as family history of substance abuse and household incarceration, that lead to poorer physical and behavioral health outcomes.
A: They are less likely to finish high school, more likely to use public assistance, more likely to have lower income as adults, more likely to be involved in the criminal justice system, and more likely to have inadequate physical and behavioral health outcomes.
A: The Knox County Health Department offers services through our Women’s health clinic, CHANT, WIC, PAT and CDC offices that take Medicare and other health insurances as well as offer free services to the public. To learn more about these services, please view the links below.
A: Adolescents may engage with alcohol and drugs through someone exposing them to those substances. Those that struggle with depression, other illnesses and disorders may be predisposed to drugs and alcohol. Adolescents may engage in risky behavior or continue to use substances later in life.
A: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are stressful or traumatic events that can impact children’s health and wellbeing throughout their lifespan. Early experiences could have profound impact on an individual’s development and their emotional, cognitive, social, and biological functioning. The following ACEs are parental divorce or separation; living with someone who had an alcohol or drug problem; neighborhood violence; living with someone who was mentally ill, suicidal, or severely depressed; witness domestic violence; parental incarceration; experienced racism or discrimination; or death of a parent.
A person who ever experienced two or more ACEs experience several adverse health outcomes, including, drug and alcohol abuse, sexual risk-taking behaviors, poor mental health, self-directed violence, smoking, poor self-rated health, cancer, heart disease and respiratory disease, physical inactivity, obesity, and diabetes.
A: In 2020, suicide was the second-leading cause of death among those 10-24 years old. Youth suicide ideation, attempt, and completion are on the rise. Several risk factors associated with teen suicide are psychiatric disorders such as depression and bipolar, substance abuse disorders, family history of depression or suicide, loss of a parent/caregiver to death or divorce, physical and sexual abuse, lack of a support network, feelings of social isolation, and bullying.
A: Eating a nutritious diet of the appropriate number of fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, and protein, getting daily physical activity such as exercise or body movement, and getting adequate amounts of sleep.
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