‘It wasn’t because I lacked knowledge… it just happened and that´s that’. Towards an understanding of the experiences of adolescent fathers and mothers in Cuenca (Ecuador) and their implications for sex education

Teenage pregnancy is a phenomenon that causes concern due to its consequences. In this context, sex education has been considered as a good means of prevention. However, while teenage pregnancy prevails, sex education perspectives from the voices of teenage fathers and mothers remain under-explored. This qualitative study aimed at exploring sex education needs from the perspectives of teenage fathers and mothers at Cuenca, Ecuador. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 young people aged 16 to 19 years, ten of whom were mothers. Following thematic analysis, three themes were identified: (1) pregnancy does not necessarily occur by accident; (2) inconsistencies exist in the use of contraceptive methods; (3) current forms of sex education ignore the needs of adolescents. Findings are discussed in light of research addressing teenage pregnancy, focusing on adolescents as well as their developmental characteristics. The study identifies limitations in sex education when it comes to meeting the real needs of adolescent mothers and fathers.