Factors Contributing to Pregnancy Among Adolescent Girls in Rural Paraguay

Abstract

To identify factors contributing to adolescent pregnancy in a community in rural Paraguay. Pregnancy in adolescence is a major global health issue, and adolescents living in poverty are more likely to experience unplanned pregnancy. Other risk factors include lack of formal education, family members who have experienced pregnancy in adolescent, first sexual contact at a young age, multiple sexual partners, parental absence, and lack of reproduction and contraceptive education. In the South American country of Paraguay, more than a third of the population lives in poverty, creating a large group of adolescents at risk simply because of their status. Little evidence is available that identifies specific contributors to adolescent pregnancy in Paraguay, and lack of information prevents the development of effective interventions and aid. A qualitative, descriptive design was used for the study. Institutional review board approval was obtained. A rural community in Paraguay, South America. Convenience sample of Spanish-speaking Paraguayan community leaders and educators who work with youth. Thirty-nine participants were interviewed in Spanish using a semistructured interview guide. Interviews were recorded and transcribed–translated before the data were analyzed. Members of the research team analyzed data separately to identify preliminary themes, and analysis continued to finalize themes that arose from the narrative data. Community leaders believed that attendance at parties, accompanied by drug and alcohol use, was a primary factor contributing to teen pregnancy. Other factors thought to contribute included an acceptance of teen pregnancy as the norm, lack of education for both the youth and their parents concerning sexual and reproductive health, as well as school nonattendance for youth. Additional contributing factors identified included inconsistent use of birth control and lack of work opportunities for teens. Community leaders discussed possible solutions, such as reproductive health education for both youth and parents, increased school attendance for youth, as well as constructive activities to do during free time, including increased youth work opportunities. The research team is in discussion with a Paraguayan nonprofit organization about the development and enhancement of programs on the basis of the study results. Possible interventions could also be helpful in identifying at-risk youth from other cultures.