Factores psicológicos asociados a adolescentes embarazadas en Latinoamérica

Abstract

Introduction: Early pregnancy is considered a serious global health issue. According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), in 2020, approximately 2,115,000 unplanned adolescent pregnancies were recorded. Objective: To analyze the psychological and risk factors associated with pregnant adolescents in Latin America. Methodology: A descriptive qualitative literature review used digital databases from the Catholic University of Cuenca, including Scopus, Taylor & Francis, Web of Science, Ovid, and PubMed. Results: The most common psychological factors observed in this population were depression, ambivalent emotions, low self-esteem, and anxiety. On the other hand, the most prevalent risk factors were related to dysfunctional families, economic status, educational level, lack of knowledge about sexuality, and preventive methods. Conclusion: Latin America faces a high rate of adolescent pregnancies, which represents a significant challenge for society. This situation is particularly critical for young individuals who are in the midst of biological, social, and psychological development. Adolescents face challenges that blend personal aspects, such as emotions and perceptions, with external factors tied to their socio-economic and educational context. This combination of elements complicates their situation, making it essential to implement diverse interventions and strategies. It is important to recognize and address this issue from a comprehensive perspective that considers all these aspects, aiming to create a healthier and more suitable environment for developing our young people during this critical stage of life.