Problem Definition 1

Secondary Data Tables

Exercise #3

Problem Definition 1 –Secondary Data Table

Ashley Laye

Tuskegee University

September 23, 2010

 Problem Definition 1

In the chart above “Births to unmarried women by race, Hispanic Origin and age of
mothers” it displays that the percent of births by race. It ranges from 1990 to 2006. Caucasian
Americans percent of births varied throughout the years ranging from 57.5% in 1990 to the
highest being 67.2% in 2006. African American percent varied from 39.1% decreasing to 28.5%
in 2006. American Indians were non-applicable until the year 2006 which their percent of births
was 1.9%.Hispanic percent of birth increased from 18.8% in 1990 to 31.6% in 2006. Non
Hispanic White percent started at 38% and increased to 40.2% and decreased to 37.4%. Non
Hispanic Black was non-applicable until the year 2000 which the percent 30.8% and decreased
to 26.6%.

By observing the chart I observed that Whites and Blacks races pertaining to births in
unmarried women. Surprisingly, Whites have the highest percent between the two races at
67.2%. American and Asian were both non-applicable until 2006. Non-Hispanic White percent
remained steady remaining in the 30%. Non Hispanic Black was non applicable until the year
200.
 Problem Definition 1

In the Chart “Births to Teens and Unmarried mothers and Births with low birth weight by race
and Hispanic Origin: 1990 to 2007” it display percent of birth to teenage mothers by race. Caucasian
teen started at 10.9% and increased to 11.5% and decreased to 9.4%. Black teens started at 23.1%
started slowly decreased to 16.7%. American Indian percent started at 19% and increased at 21% and
decreased 17.6%. Asian percent are very low the highest percent of birth id 5.8% in 1990 and decreases
to 3.3%. Hispanic started at 16.8% in 1990 and increase to 17.9% and decreased to 14.3%.Non Hispanic
highest percent was 10.7% and decreased to 9.1% in 2006. Non Hispanic White highest was 8.7% in
2000 and decreased to 7.4%.

By observing the chart I observed that American Indian and Black have the highest percent of
percent of births to teenagers. To my surprise American Indian percent was very high. Being one the
top races with a high percent of teenage pregnancy. In all races they start off high and decrease as the
years goes on.
Problem Definition 1
 Problem Definition 1

In the chart Teenager Births and Birth Rate by age it shows the number of teen births by age and
year. It shows the age bracket of 15 to 19 years of age. In the year 1990 between the ages of 15-17 were
at 37.5% for teenage births. After 1990 the percent slowly decreased to 22.2%. For the age bracket of
18-19 in the 1990 the percent was at 88.6% and slowly decreased to 73.9% which is still high.

The chart shows that the ages of 18-19 has a higher percent of teen births. In 1990 88.6% teen
births were recorded. Even though the percentage changed it still was a high number. 37.5% was the
highest percent for the age bracket of 15-17 even though it decreased after the year 1990, 37.55 is a
high percent.
 Problem Definition 1

In the chart Percent of births to Teenage Mothers the chart displays the percent of births by
race and year. Whites highest percent was 11.5% and it decreased to 9.4%. Blacks highest percent was
23.1% and decreased to 17.7%. Asians whom numbers are low highest percent was 5.5% and the lowest
percent was 3.3% in 2006. Hispanic highest percent of births were in 1995 at a rate of 17.9% and
decreased to 14.3% in 2006. Non Hispanic highest rate of birth is 10.7% and decreased to 9.1% in 2006.
Non Hispanic Black highest percent if birth is 19.8% in 2000 and decreased to 17.2 in 2006.

By observing the charts I have come to the conclusion that Blacks and Non Hispanic Black have
the highest percent of teen pregnancy. Surprisingly American Indian has such a high percent of teen
birth which to me is very unusual. Asian is at a constant low rate of teen pregnancy not exceeding 6%.
 Problem Definition 1

Summary and Conclusion

During my observations of teen pregnancy by race and years I have observed that Blacks
and Whites are the highest for teen pregnancy. The percentages were as high at 88% which is
extremely high for teenagers. It proves that teenagers aren’t using the resources they have
available such as birth control pills, patches, shots or condoms. The percentages are fairly high
from 1990 to 2006.

Each chart observes the teen pregnancy by teens by race and time. Asian and American
Indian were always the lowest out of all the races which didn’t surprise me at all because of their
cultures and values. By observing the chart I observed that Whites and Blacks races pertaining to
births in unmarried women. Surprisingly, Whites have the highest percent between the two races
at 67.2%. American and Asian were both non-applicable until 2006. Non-Hispanic White
percent remained steady remaining in the 30%. Non Hispanic Black was not applicable until the
year 200.

In conclusion, the charts have proved that teen pregnancy has been an issue since 1990.
The issue doesn’t just affect the African American community, it affects other races. The
magnitude of the issue may not be as severe but it is nevertheless an issue to all races. Whites,
Blacks and Hispanic are the top three races for the highest percent of teen pregnancy. Although
numbers decrease, it hasn’t decreased to 0 which still makes it an issue. All races could improve
their numbers of teen pregnancy by becoming for open to talk to teens and let them know their
resources are available at all times.