Dialogue of Knowledge on Unplanned Pregnancies and Abortions in Ecuadorian University Students

Abstract

Abstract A knowledge dialogue was created to explore the manifestations, representations, and social practices of students at the Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo on unplanned pregnancies and abortions. Focus groups were created out of two second-semester student groups of the university. While the study group included public health faculty students, the control group comprised of students from other faculties. A comparison between the two groups showed many similarities, including between women and men. However, in their expressions, gender constructs of their sex were observed. Students believed that sexual and reproductive health is affected by pregnancies that, in many cases, are unplanned and unwanted. Therefore, abortions in unsafe conditions are common. It not only has a psychological effect, especially, on women but also leads them to drop out of university as a consequence of it. These problems were attributed to the lack of information, as not much has been talked about these issue2s with the required depth. The existence of ignorance, myths, beliefs, and taboos around the subject was also indicated. Regarding sexual behavior, the students believed that since most university students do not live with their families, it gives them greater freedom for alcohol and drug consumption, making multiple partners, infidelity, and nonuse of protection and contraceptives.

Keywords

• unplanned pregnancy, abortion, sex education, reproductive health.