Perceptions of Adolescent Pregnancy in Loreto, Peru

Abstract

Adolescent pregnancy has been framed as a public health concern for decades as it is associated with increased risks of maternal and perinatal mortality and poor psychosocial and economic outcomes. Rates of adolescent pregnancy in the Amazonian region of Peru continue to be high despite falling rates throughout the rest of the country during the pre-covid era. Given the importance of context when developing interventions to mitigate the risks associated with adolescent pregnancy, this qualitative study elucidates local perspectives from semi-structured interviews conducted with 20 parents, adolescents, community health workers, and health post workers in Loreto, Peru. The results point to four major themes: (1) the acceptance of adolescent sexual debut and pregnancy in Loreto is complex and nuanced, (2) varying options for the future of adolescents affect sexual behaviors and rates of adolescent pregnancy, (3) accountability for the wellbeing of adolescents falls mainly on their parents, and (4) inconsistencies in the region’s reproductive health services, resources and education are points of vulnerability for adolescents in pregnancy prevention. These themes highlight micro, mezzo and macro level areas for interventions to support young people’s agency and wellbeing in making decisions about their future including when/if to become a parent.