The role of nursing in preventing adolescent pregnancy and reducing school dropout within the context of primary health care

Abstract

Adolescent pregnancy has represented a global public health challenge for more than four decades, due to its multiple biological, psychological, economic, educational, and social implications. Its impacts directly reflect on a country's socioeconomic and health indicators, increasing vulnerabilities and inequalities. Early pregnancy is associated with higher risks of complications such as pre-eclampsia, anemia, premature birth, and low birth weight, in addition to negatively influencing the psychosocial development of the adolescent. In this context, the nurse, as a health educator and member of the Family Health Strategy, plays a fundamental role in promoting the sexual and reproductive health of adolescents through educational actions, support, and guidance on contraceptive methods, family planning, and prevention of sexually transmitted infections. Objective: To analyze the role of the nurse in the prevention of adolescent pregnancy and school dropout within the scope of Primary Health Care. This is a narrative literature review, with a qualitative approach and descriptive character, whose purpose is to gather, analyze, and discuss the main scientific findings on the occurrence of early pregnancy and its impacts on the schooling process. The search for references was carried out in the electronic databases: Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences, Virtual Health Library, and Scientific Electronic Library Online. Results/Discussion: The nurse's role becomes fundamental in this process, since, by developing educational actions and promoting dialogue about sexuality, reproductive health, and family planning, they directly contribute to the reduction of adolescent pregnancy and, consequently, to the decrease in school dropout. Final considerations: The strategies adopted by this professional should be based on continuous educational actions, with intersectoral approaches and welcoming dialogue, involving the school, family, and community environments.