Peer-reviewed article
Stakeholder Opinions and Recommendations for Preventing Adolescent Pregnancies: A Qualitative Study.
Elkoca A, Çelikkanat Ş, Akdöner C ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This qualitative study explored the views of healthcare professionals, educators, academics, parents, and adolescents on preventing teenage pregnancy. The research found that parents and adolescents struggle to communicate about sexual and reproductive health, school curricula lack sufficient content on these topics, and health services for adolescents are inadequate. The study recommends comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education in schools, establishment of youth-friendly health services, and employment of school health nurses to support both adolescents and families.
Key points
- Parents and adolescents find it difficult to discuss sexual topics with each other
- School curricula and course content on reproductive health are insufficient according to teachers and adolescents
- Existing policies on adolescent pregnancy prevention are perceived as inadequate by academics
- Physicians report that adolescent health services lack adequate time and resources for educational sessions
- Stakeholders recommend youth-friendly health clinics, expanded school curricula, and school health nurses as solutions
Limitations
The study does not specify which countries the research was conducted in, making it difficult to assess geographic applicability. The study captures stakeholder opinions and recommendations but does not evaluate whether implementing these recommendations actually prevents adolescent pregnancies.
Abstract
Objective This study aims to explore stakeholder opinions and recommendations for the prevention of adolescent pregnancies. Methods This study was conducted using a qualitative case study design, employing in-depth interviews as the primary data collection technique. The study population comprised healthcare professionals, educators, and academics from both the public and private sectors, as well as parents and adolescents. The data were collected using a descriptive characteristics form and a semi-structured interview guide. Ethical approval was obtained from the relevant institutional review board, along with necessary institutional permissions. The data were analyzed using the MAXQDA qualitative research software. Result Analysis of the data revealed that parents were unable to discuss sexual topics with their children, and that adolescents similarly found it difficult to communicate about these matters with their families. Academics perceived existing policies as inadequate, while teachers and adolescents found school curricula and course content insufficient. Physicians found adolescent health services inadequate and emphasized the lack of sufficient time for educational sessions in outpatient clinics. Conclusion To prevent adolescent pregnancies, comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education tailored to cultural and demographic contexts should be provided. School curricula should be expanded to incorporate broader reproductive health topics. Hospitals should establish adolescent outpatient clinics or youth-friendly health units. Additionally, employing school health nurses and establishing sexual and reproductive health units within schools would facilitate regular education sessions for both adolescents and their families. Trial registration A clinical trial registration number was not obtained for this study as it was not required.