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What Contributes To High Adolescent Pregnancy Rates In Ecuador? A Secondary Analysis Of A Qualitative Study, Isabel D. Gollmar, Hartley C. Feld

Posters-at-the-Capitol Presentations

Introduction: Ecuador has the second highest rates of adolescent pregnancy in South America. Adolescent pregnancy is associated with negative health implications, including miscarriage, neonatal and maternal demise, cephalopelvic disproportion, and illness throughout infancy. Additionally, adolescent pregnancy perpetuates the cycle of poverty and is associated with lower educational attainment and increased reliance on social services.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe experiences that contributed to unintended adolescent pregnancy of Ecuadorian women living in a low-resource community. Specifically, this work aimed to identify barriers to seeking or utilizing birth control in sexually active adolescents. The long-term goal of this …