Abstract

CASTILLO RIASCOS, Lina Lorena. Weaknesses in preventing teen pregnancy. Salud, Barranquilla [online]. 2016, vol.32, n.3, pp.543-551. ISSN 0120-5552.

Abstract Adolescent pregnancy is a worldwide public health problem. 20% of pregnant women are teenagers, but maternal mortality is 2 to 5 times higher in this age group than among women aged 20 to 29 years. In addition to the maternal perinatal complications associated with biological immaturity, having a child before age 20 generates a negative socio-economic impact, which can be extended for life. For this reason and with the aim at improving maternal health, in 2000 the United Nations proposed as a goal for 2015 the global reduction in adolescent pregnancy rate. In order to meet this goal, Colombia Ministry of Health has implemented strategies to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Although the current prevention strategies have proven to be effective in improving knowledge on sexuality and contraception, have failed to modify the sexual behavior or reduce the prevalence of pregnancy in women under 20 years of age. Another aspect to consider is the non-deferrable reproductive desire during adolescence, since 36 percent of teenage mothers wanted their child at the time they got pregnant The aim of this article is to reflect on the different factors influencing desired and unwanted pregnancy during adolescence and the different strategies of prevention, taking into account that pregnancy in adolescents is a multifactorial event that requires intersectoral intervention.

Keywords : adolescent pregnancy; teenage pregnancy prevention; unwanted pregnancy; adolescent parenthood.

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