Investigating Social Determinants of Adolescent Pregnancy in the Cusco Region, Perú

Kate and Ally photographed with an alpaca at VIDAWASI: their community partner in Urubamba, Peru.

Project member(s):

  • Ally Carey
    Kate Seneshen

Faculty mentor:

Community partners:

  • Virgen de VIDAWASI - Ciudadela de Salud Infantil
    Andrea Mimbela, MD
    Joana Franco, MD

Investigating Social Determinants of Adolescent Pregnancy in the Cusco Region, Perú

Project overview

Adolescent pregnancy is one of the most prominent reproductive health issues in Perú, particularly in rural regions, and it is often heavily influenced by social factors. Duke student researchers worked in collaboration with VIDAWASI— a local children’s health center— to investigate the social determinants of adolescent pregnancy in the Sacred Valley of Cusco, Perú. They partnered with local clinics, women's homes, and schools to recruit participants aged 12-19: a case group of 30 girls with a history of pregnancy, and a control group of 30 girls without history of pregnancy. Participants completed a survey and written interview on social determinants of health including demographics, education, resource access, home life, health history, and their personal perspective on reproductive healthcare. Final results will be distributed to partnering clinics and local health leaders to inform potential future intervention projects and better understand the factors that may be connected to the Sacred Valley’s high adolescent pregnancy rates. 

Project poster

Project notes

As a way to reflect and upload media from the project, the research team created an Instagram account: @kateandallyinperu

Check it out for more photos, day-to-day updates, and stories from the field work!

 

Last updated on October 2, 2024