Methodological issues for adolescent pregnancy research

Nurses have long been in the forefront of health care delivery for adolescents and are becoming more involved in adolescent pregnancy research. This article focuses on six methodological issues for adolescent pregnancy research: formulating the research question, selecting appropriate measures, recruiting subjects, obtaining informed consent, categorizing socioeconomic status, and balancing the clinician-researcher relationship. As we prepare for the 21st Century, we must develop new and creative approaches to adolescent pregnancy research, and we must bridge the gap between research and practice. Ultimately, knowledge derived from research and clinical practice should generate comprehensive health care and social policies for dealing with adolescent pregnancy.