URCAD Sneak Peek: Keren Herran

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 10:56:50 -0400

Keren is an Individualized Study major, a member of the Honors College, Meyerhoff Scholar, and LSAMP participant. She will be presenting her research: "Children Raising Children: A Qualitative Study of the Social Determinants of Adolescent Pregnancy in Rural Ecuador" at Virtual URCAD 2020!

Abstract:

According to Ecuador's most recent census, 1/5 of pregnancies are from adolescent mothers -- elevating rates of poverty, maternal and child mortality, and birth complications. Hence, our research question: how do social determinants of health (SDOH) cause adolescent pregnancy in rural Ecuador?

Our research team analyzed 3 focus groups composed of 5-7 adolescent (14-21 years old) mothers who had recently (within two years) given birth in El Quinche, Lumbisi, and Pifo. In depth interviews with 10 key informants (health officials, providers, and policy-makers) were also organized to explore perceptions regarding interventions and causes of adolescent pregnancy. Our team interviewed until reaching saturation of information, validating collected data through triangulation. We applied grounded theory for analysis via open, axial, and selective coding using NVivo software.

Our data revealed that the root SDOH causing adolescent pregnancy includes compromised sexual education, shame in discussing the topic, and troubled households. Therefore, we recommend that Ecuador focus on improving the quality of sexual education in schools, creating a positive sexual environment, and encouraging female empowerment. Ultimately, gaining a better understanding of the causes of adolescent pregnancy can inform the formulation of more effective interventions in Ecuador and beyond.

Mentors: Rebecca Dillingham, UVA; Ivan Palacios, Universidad San Francisco de Quito

Come see Keren's poster and other undergraduate research and creative work , April 22-29th at URCAD.umbc.edu!