Effectiveness of educational interventions in the prevention of adolescent pregnancy in South America: A systematic review

Introduction: Adolescence constitutes a crucial period for promoting and fostering sexual and reproductive health, considering the negative impact of pregnancy on the lives of adolescents. There is no consensus on the best way to prevent this issue in South American countries. Objective: To identify changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of adolescents aged 12 to 19 associated with the effectiveness of educational interventions in the prevention of adolescent pregnancy in South America. Methodology: A systematic literature review was conducted, selecting sixteen studies published between 2011 and 2020 that met the inclusion criteria. Most of the studies were quasi-experimental in design and were conducted in Peru. A total of 1,131 adolescents were included, with an average age of 14+1.16. Results: All evaluated interventions significantly increased the level of knowledge about sexual and reproductive health, teenage pregnancy prevention, and the use of contraceptive methods. Furthermore, positive changes were observed in adolescents' attitudes towards educational interventions aimed at preventing teenage pregnancies. Conclusions: The findings support the effectiveness of interventions in teenage pregnancy prevention implemented with adolescents in South America.

• Main Author: Castro-Benavides, Mayra (author)
• Other Authors: Otzen, Tamara (author), Palma-Millanao, Katherina (author), Manterola, Carlos (author)
• Format: article
• Language: spa
• Published: 2023
• Subjects: Adolescente; Embarazo; Educación sexual; América del sur; Revisión sistemática; Adolescent; Pregnancy; Health education; South America; Systematic review
• Online Access: https://revistadigital.uce.edu.ec/index.php/CIENCIAS_MEDICAS/article/view/5877