Shannon Mikrut
MPH 515- Principles of Health Behavior
December, 2013
Adolescent Pregnancy in Guatemala
Adolescent pregnancy is a serious global public health problem
that can result in social, economic, and health inequities for
young mothers, their baby, their families, and their community
Despite attempts to reduce teen pregnancy, Guatemala has
continued to see an increase in rates
From the year 2009 to 2012, the rates of adolescent pregnancy
nearly doubled in Guatemala
UNICEF estimated that in 2011, 22% of women had given birth
at least once by age eighteen, and 45% by age twenty
(UNICEF, 2012).
Research has found that only 5% of Guatemalan women under
the age of twenty use an effective method of birth control
(Tuschman, 2012).
What is teen pregnancy and why is
this a problem?
The World Health Organization defines adolescent
pregnancy as giving birth before the age of 20
Unplanned pregnancy is defined as pregnancy that is
unplanned, mistimed, or unwanted at the time of conception
Infants born to teen mothers have an increased risk of
asphyxia, low birth weight, premature birth,
neurodevelopment disorders, childhood handicap, and infant
mortality
Teen mothers are also at an increased risk of pregnancy
induced hypertension, anemia, postpartum hemorrhaging,
obstetric fistula, emotional and mental trauma, and even
death
Prevention
Teen pregnancy can be prevented, and there are many
different contraceptive and safe sex practices that can help
protect adolescent females from both unintended pregnancy
and STDs.
Intervention targeting risky behavior through education
regarding reproductive health, contraceptive methods, STD
signs and symptoms, and how to engage in healthy
communication with your partner about sex can help
interrupt the cycle of teen pregnancy
Protection Motivation Theory
Developed by Dr. R.W Rodgers in 1975
Rodgers explored how fear affects an individual’s decision
making process and found that fear appeals can be used to
positively direct health behavior.
PMT focuses primarily on two appraisal processes, threat
appraisal and coping appraisal
The appraisal processes serve as mediating functions in
which the behavioral options, to adopt or avoid, to diminish a
health threat are evaluated.
Reducing Adolescent Pregnancy
through Safe Sex
Reducing Adolescent Pregnancy through Safe Sex is a
program using PMT to promote use of contraception in rural
Guatemalan communities among youth ages 10-20
Program intervention takes place on an individual,
community, and clinical level
Fear appraisals are used to educate about threat and
increase perceived vulnerability and susceptibility
The program has partnered with the Safe Motherhood
Initiative, the Ministry of Health Guatemala, and the World
Health Organization to provide an encompassing platform
that delivers a culturally competent, educational, and
preventative program
Program Intervention
Individual Intervention: Sex education brochures sent to all youth
ages 10-20 in rural Guatemala. Sexual health seminar offered in the
community to provide information, resources, and opportunity to ask
questions
Community: Schools, teachers, community leaders, and business
are invited to participate in Sexual Health Week. Activities,
educational information, and information about the seminar will be
provided.
Clinical: Healthcare professionals, hospitals, and clinics will be
provided educational materials that can be given to patients.
Doctors are encouraged to engage in health conversations with
patients, offer to answer questions around reproductive health,
inquire about adherence to contraception if using ones that are
prescribed.
Conclusion
The threat of adolescent pregnancy in Guatemala is continuing to
grow and the impacts are not only detrimental to the mother and
fetus, but to the community as a whole.
Reducing Adolescent Pregnancy through Safe Sex is a
multifaceted program that engages adolescents in rural
Guatemala through utilization of the PMT. Using PMT models can
help reduce teen pregnancy and encourage health behavior.
Intervention can provide educational materials surrounding sexual
health, creates awareness and mindfulness about use of
contraception and safe sex practices, provides resources, and
most importantly empowers teens to take control of their sexual
wellbeing.
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