Promoting health literacy about pregnancy prevention among adolescent students: A qualitative study
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This critical ethnographic study aimed to examine the promotion of health literacy about pregnancy prevention among adolescent students. Conducted between December 2022 and August 2024, the study included 65 participants, comprising key informants such as adolescent students, school administrators, teachers, individuals responsible for educational and health services, parents or guardians, peers, and additional general informants identified by the key informants. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant and non-participant observations, and document analysis. Content analysis was employed for data interpretation. The findings indicated that fostering health literacy in pregnancy prevention among adolescent students necessitates collaboration and support from multiple stakeholders. Seven key strategies were identified: (1) enhancing knowledge of sexual health, pregnancy prevention, and related topics; (2) developing essential skills for effective pregnancy prevention; (3) improving access to health services and contraceptive resources; (4) raising awareness of the significance of pregnancy prevention; (5) establishing safe zone for discussion and counseling on sexual health and pregnancy prevention; (6) fostering leadership and networks dedicated to adolescent pregnancy prevention; and (7) strengthening intersectoral coordination with relevant agencies and organizations. These findings underscored the necessity of a multidimensional approach to effectively promote health literacy and prevent adolescent pregnancy.
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