Fortalecimiento de Estrategias Educativas e Integrales para la Prevención del Embarazo en Adolescentes en Santo Domingo, Ecuador

Teen pregnancy is a public health issue with significant implications for education, health, and social development. Latin America has one of the highest rates of adolescent pregnancy due to the lack of comprehensive sexual education, barriers to contraceptive access, and sociocultural norms that encourage early motherhood. In Ecuador, adolescent pregnancies account for 19% of annual births, highlighting the urgent need for effective preventive strategies. This study aimed to strengthen educational strategies for preventing pregnancy in adolescents aged 10 to 19 in Santo Domingo, Ecuador. A mixed-method, descriptive, and cross-sectional cohort design was employed. The methodology included pretest and posttest assessments to evaluate adolescents’ knowledge before and after educational sessions on sexual health, contraceptive methods, and pregnancy prevention. The results showed a significant improvement in adolescents' knowledge, particularly in recognizing condoms as an effective contraceptive method against sexually transmitted infections, understanding consent in relationships, and increasing awareness of the risks associated with teenage pregnancy. These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive sexual education as a key strategy in reducing adolescent pregnancy and promoting responsible sexual behaviors.