Sexual and reproductive health among adolescents in vulnerable contexts in Mexico: Needs, knowledge, and rights

Abstract

Ensuring sexual and reproductive health, and rights for adolescents entails the prevention of early pregnancies, which are widely recognized as a public health problem. Based on the ecological model for early pregnancy, this article identifies the healthcare requirements for preventing unintended adolescent pregnancies in predominantly indigenous communities in Chiapas, Mexico. Using a convergent parallel mixed-methods study design, we surveyed adolescents (12–15 years old) and health personnel, organized focus groups with adolescents and their parents, and conducted in-depth interviews at the individual, family, school and community levels. Results showed that adolescents recognized their right to receive sexuality education (64.5%) as well as information on contraceptive methods (53.0%), with indigenous language speakers and individuals living in overcrowded households less likely to know about these rights. Parents of adolescents knew little about contraception and pregnancy. School teachers lacked necessary tools for offering comprehensive sexuality education. A traditional, patriarchal perspective predominated among participants, fostering gender inequalities. In conclusion, it is essential to implement multifocal strategies under a human-rights, intercultural, and health-equity approach. Special attention should be directed to the spheres in which adolescents interact, and efforts should focus on improving knowledge, empowering adolescents, and enhancing their access to sexual and reproductive health resources.

Sexualidad e identidad de género como elemento fundamental de la salud reproductiva de la parroquia Chade del cantón Jipijapa

“…De acuerdo a los datos recopilados de la población estudiada acerca de si los y las adolescentes tienen derechos sexuales y reproductivos, el 55% respondió que no y el 45% que, lo que demuestra el desconocimiento que tienen De acuerdo con Villalobos, A y col. (Villalobos et al, 2023) el ejercicio de los derechos sexuales y reproductivos en adolescentes en contextos vulnerables enfrenta varios desafíos como la falta de conocimientos y herramientas en salud sexual y reproductiva entre el personal de salud, docentes, padres de familia y los propios adolescentes, enmarcado en creencias y costumbres que restringen la autonomía en el ejercicio de la sexualidad adolescente. Así mismo Nowshin, N y col. (Nowshin et al, s. f.) mencionan que los adolescentes en entornos de escasos recursos en los países de ingresos bajos requieren una mayor atención en la investigación, ya que son grupos que carece de una buena educación.…”

Tailoring Sexual Health Research Practices to Meet the Needs of Adolescent Girls in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Findings from Mexico

“…The highest incidence of GBV is generally reported during late adolescence. In a study across 81 countries, 29% of ever-partnered adolescent girls (aged [15][16][17][18][19] reported that they had experienced GBV [7]. Specifically, in Mexico, there are 22.8 million adolescents (10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)) (17% of the population) [8], and it has one of the highest adolescent pregnancy rates in the world outside of sub-Saharan Africa, with 58 of every 1000 girls aged 15-19 becoming pregnant each year [9].…”

“…In Mexico, in addition to the cultural and legal constraints, a variety of ethical challenges hinder SRH research for both adolescent participants and investigators. These challenges are rooted in the complexities and uncertainties surrounding research procedures including consent and assent, risks and benefits assessment, risk management, waiver of parental permission, and confidentiality, among others [15][16][17][18][19][20]. Despite these challenges, conducting SRH research among adolescents in LMICs is essential for improving public health, promoting human rights and equity, and supporting social and economic development.…”