Promoting spaces for dialogue and community reflection on adolescent sexual and reproductive health

Abstract

Addressing sexual and reproductive health during adolescence requires safe, participatory educational spaces adapted to the sociocultural context of rural communities. This study aimed to foster spaces for community dialogue and reflection regarding the sexual and reproductive health of adolescents in rural areas of the Jipijapa canton. It employed a qualitative approach with a descriptive, exploratory, non-experimental, and cross-sectional design; data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic coding. Key findings revealed that sexuality is perceived as a taboo subject associated with adulthood; adolescents feel embarrassed to ask questions; school-based sex education focuses primarily on anatomy; and there is uneven knowledge alongside the prevalence of myths regarding contraception and sexually transmitted infections. Participants also expressed a desire for clear, reliable information provided by professionals in locations close to their communities, although barriers such as fear of judgment, a lack of privacy, and perceived issues with confidentiality in health services persisted. The study concludes that strengthening community spaces for dialogue, trust, and comprehensive education can encourage greater adolescent participation and contribute to the development of the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions about sexual and reproductive health.