Date of Award

2018

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

MS in Physician Assistant Studies (PA)

Department

Physician Assistant Studies

First Advisor

Dr. Holly Levine

Abstract

Half of the females of Nicaragua will have given birth by their 20th birthday.1 Nicaragua has one of the highest fertility rates in the world and exceeds the fertility rate average in Latin America with 109 (births per 1000 females aged 15-19) compared to the average of 79 births.1,2 Young maternal age is linked to higher incidences of pregnancy complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and neonatal mortality.2 Nicaragua’s high adolescent pregnancy rate is a result of a multifactorial social and political climate. The initiation of a teen's sexual debut is complex and hinges on multiple factors from socioeconomic factors, education and gender equality. Providing access to health care, educating youth on SRH, having Peer Providers, accessible youth centers and open communication between adults and teens are all vital components to help curb adolescent pregnancy. Evidence has proven that sex education alone is not enough to deter the sexual acts of adolescents. It is essential for parents, teachers, priests, providers, peers, and community members to collaborate on implementing effective sex education and promoting access to sexual and reproductive health care to end the epidemic of adolescent pregnancy in Nicaragua.

Identifier

SC11.PAS.2018.Greenwoo.A

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