Table 6 Health care requirements of the study participants

Demystify beliefs and gender roles

Young people say that beliefs must be transformed to talk more freely or without taboos about relationships and sexual behavior. There is a patriarchal prejudice that promotes the belief that men are happy to have many women and get them pregnant, change partners frequently without taking responsibility for paternity, and pressure women to have sex.

Gender Equity Program, schools for parents and education for children on sexual and reproductive health based on gender equality

Marriage at an early age

Young people argue that romantic relationships at an early age shorten the time of experiencing their youth and suddenly becoming a husband or wife, with the complexities that this status involves. In the narratives, greater freedom is perceived for men in pursuing their life project, while there are more restrictions for women who assume the role of mothers as they become pregnant as adolescents, and they do not have other options or greater opportunities in their life project.

Decisions and responsible sexual behavior promotion programs aimed at strengthening young people’s life projects.

Managing contraceptives and health care centers

The limited knowledge of contraceptive methods is mentioned. Health care centers remain closed for long periods of time, with few personnel in charge of promoting health, and adults are criticized for not building adequate ties of trust. The strategy of staff members that travel to the rural area is considered insufficient, due to the monthly frequency in the El Cerrito area and the bi-monthly visits in the Palmira area.

Programs on Sexual and Reproductive Health rights, Primary Care Strategy with a renewed or comprehensive approach

Community solidarity and the violence scenario caused by the armed conflict.

The study participants feel that they live in isolation, with loss of a community bond and little communication and integration. The community was fragmented by the armed conflict, being exacerbated by the territorial division of the municipalities and the isolated geographic location. Young people do not feel that the groups involved in the armed conflict are related to early pregnancy, while adults find the issue of gender violence and its relationship with pregnancy in the armed conflict to be complex problems that need to be approached appropriately.

Promote the bond of solidarity by integration and community empowerment programs, psychosocial support for the population on issues related to overcoming violence due to the armed conflict