Analysis of gender determinants in the use of contraceptive methods in ecuadorian indigenous youth

Abstract

This study addresses the issue of gender determinants in the adoption of contraceptive methods, a relevant topic in the context of reproductive health, especially in indigenous populations. The general objective of this study was to analyze the gender determinants in the use of contraceptive methods in indigenous youth aged 15 to 24 years from the Juan Montalvo parish, Cayambe canton, in Ecuador, during the period between April and September 2024. An exploratory and descriptive design was employed under a quantitative approach, in which a random sample of youth was selected from a pre-established population; the information was collected through structured surveys using a questionnaire adapted to ensure its understanding in the cultural context of the studied population. The results revealed the persistence of traditional norms that assign women the primary role in family planning and significant levels of insecurity in decision-making in reproductive health, as well as a deficit in the use of modern contraceptive methods. It is concluded that gender determinants decisively influence the adoption of contraceptive methods and that it is essential to implement culturally relevant intervention strategies and sexual education programs that promote autonomy and informed decision-making, as well as strengthen public policies aimed at improving access and quality of reproductive health care.