Assessing Biomedical and Psychosocial Factors in a Cross-Sectional Study of School Dropouts Among Pregnant Adolescents and Young Mothers in Quito, Ecuador

Jorge A Naranjo; Doris E Arevalo; Juan D Naranjo-Vinueza; Brenda A Vacas; Mireya Salcedo; Sofía M Borja; Rubén L Gallegos

doi:10.7759/cureus.55958

Assessing Biomedical and Psychosocial Factors in a Cross-Sectional Study of School Dropouts Among Pregnant Adolescents and Young Mothers in Quito, Ecuador

Cureus. 2024 Mar 11;16(3):e55958. doi: 10.7759/cureus.55958. eCollection 2024 Mar.

Authors

Jorge A Naranjo¹, Doris E Arevalo², Juan D Naranjo-Vinueza³, Brenda A Vacas¹, Mireya Salcedo⁴, Sofía M Borja¹, Rubén L Gallegos¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Teaching, Faculty of Psychology, Central University of Ecuador, Quito, ECU.
² Department of Psychology/Comprehensive Care Service for Adolescents, Hospital Gineco-Obstétrico Isidro Ayora, Quito, ECU.
³ Department of Teaching/Psychiatry, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría, Mexico City, MEX.
⁴ Department of Social Work/Comprehensive Care Service for Adolescents, Hospital Gineco-Obstétrico Isidro Ayora, Quito, ECU.

Abstract

Background: Over nearly three decades, Ecuador experienced a significant rise in adolescent motherhood.

Objectives: By focusing on social, health, and psychological aspects, the research aims to reveal the complex factors influencing the decision to discontinue education. The emphasis on providing a platform for direct expression of personal experiences not only adds qualitative depth to the study but also ensures that the voices of those involved are heard authentically.

Methods: Employing a nonexperimental, descriptive, cross-sectional approach with qualitative and quantitative methods, the research delves into the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors. Descriptive statistics, presented through tables and graphs, were used for variable analysis, complemented by inferential statistics to validate hypotheses. Focus group sessions, processed with ATLAS.ti (ATLAS.ti Scientific Software Development GmbH, Berlin, Germany) underwent a thorough review in workshops with Servicio de Atención Integral para Adolescentes (SAIA) experts. Adolescent participants were randomly recruited through the hospital's system.

Results: The findings unveiled a significant dropout rate among adolescents, where pregnancy was just one factor influencing their decision. Those discontinuing education often embraced a life project centered on motherhood and domestic roles, facing domestic violence and mental health disorders. In contrast, those persisting with education were driven by professional development, facing challenges but benefiting from family support. Despite unwanted pregnancies and low contraceptive use, many found personal growth and identity affirmation in motherhood.

Conclusions: Our research highlights key insights into factors like pregnancy desire, contraception, reactions, and challenges. Urgent action is needed to address systemic problems and provide holistic support, acknowledging the resilience and validity of choices made by adolescent mothers in balancing motherhood with education and career goals.

Keywords: adolescent motherhood; adolescent pregnancy; education; public health education; risk factors; school dropout; women's and adolescent health.