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Social work attitudes toward birth control for teenagers

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Abstract

The current high level of teenage sexual activity has important consequences for the psychological and social well-being of both individuals and the community. Because social workers often have professional contact with teenagers who are in need of contraceptive services, a nationwide survey was conducted to ascertain the attitudes of social work faculty and students toward birth control for teenagers. Both students and faculty were found to have positive attitudes. They are willing to provide service in this area within the bounds suggested by a realistic assessment of their preparation for this field of activity.

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When this research was initiated, all three authors were affiliated with the Center for Health Research, of which Dr. Werley was the director. This research was supported in part by a grant to Drs. Werley and Ager from the Division of Nursing of the Bureau of Health Manpower Education, NIH DHEW Grant No. NU 416.

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Reichelt, P.A., Werley, H.H. & Ager, J.W. Social work attitudes toward birth control for teenagers. Community Ment Health J 13, 352–359 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01422537

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