Description of Indicator
This indicator reports on the teen pregnancy rate for every 1,000 residents. It is measured using crude/age-specific rates for adolescents 15 to 17 years old.
Why is it important?
Teen pregnancy can impact socio-economic factors in the community and often lead to an increase in the rate of high school dropouts. Other health issues and diseases can result from not being adequately educated on the effects of pregnancy, and there is an economic and social cost to teen pregnancy to consider.
How is the region performing?
The rate of teen pregnancy dropped significantly for Lackawanna and Luzerne counties since 2012. Wayne County data was not available. Since 2015, the teen pregnancy rate in Luzerne County continued to be above the statewide rate. The teen pregnancy rate in Lackawanna County increased from 2020 to 2021.