Methodology with an integrative approach for the work of the family doctor in the prevention of pregnancy in adolescence

Abstract

Introduction: In Cuba, comprehensive adolescent care and the prevention of early pregnancy are priorities within public policy. Despite ongoing efforts in primary healthcare, adolescent pregnancy remains a problem requiring special attention from a preventive and promotional perspective.
Objective: To develop an integrated methodology for improving adolescent pregnancy prevention efforts, based on an assessment of the family physician's prevention competency.
Methods: A developmental research study was conducted in the Comprehensive General Medicine specialty at the Faculty of Medical Sciences of Isla de la Juventud, during the 2022-2024 academic year. The study population consisted of 23 professionals, including a purposive sample of 7 health area managers who served as Basic Work Group Leaders and faculty members in the health area where the study was conducted. The adolescent population included 530 adolescents, representing 18.8% of the study population. Methods at the theoretical level (analytical-synthetic, inductive-deductive), empirical level (document analysis, observation, modeling, surveys, and expert consultation), and statistical methods were used for data collection and information processing.
Results: The functioning of the adolescent support group is inadequate, according to observations made in 56.5% of cases. The specialty program demonstrates an insufficient approach to the competency of adolescent pregnancy prevention. 65.2% of the physicians surveyed showed theoretical inconsistencies in this regard. Preventive training for family physicians requires strengthening the educational and community dimensions (30% of the indicators), resulting in insufficient preparation for a comprehensive approach to adolescent care, with a predominantly curative focus in their professional practice.
Conclusions: The proposed methodology is based on pedagogical, philosophical, psychological, and medical education principles for comprehensive adolescent care through intersectoral collaboration and biopsychosocial integration. Validation by specialists indicates its viability for contributing to positive changes in the practice of family physicians for this purpose.