Determinants of Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health for Adolescent Girls in Vulnerable Situations in Latin America

Fabian Dávila (), Favio Cala-Vitery and Luz-Tatiana Gómez
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Fabian Dávila: Public Policy Modeling and Management, School of Natural Sciences and Engineering, Universidad de Bogotá Jorge Tadeo Lozano, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
Favio Cala-Vitery: Public Policy Modeling and Management, School of Natural Sciences and Engineering, Universidad de Bogotá Jorge Tadeo Lozano, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
Luz-Tatiana Gómez: Public Policy Modeling and Management, School of Natural Sciences and Engineering, Universidad de Bogotá Jorge Tadeo Lozano, Bogotá 111711, Colombia

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 2, 1-25

Abstract: Latin American upper-middle-income countries (LAUMICs) face significant challenges in ensuring equitable access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) for adolescents due to socioeconomic inequalities, migration, and historical violence. This systematic review examines the barriers and facilitators to sexual and reproductive health access for adolescent girls (≤19 years old) in vulnerable situations across Latin America. Using six databases, 391 articles were reviewed; 10 met the inclusion criteria, and 10 more were included through backward search, resulting in 20 analyzed studies. Structural barriers such as economic, regulatory, and institutional constraints were found to restrict SRH access, exacerbated by social stigma and negative narratives, especially in cases involving sexual violence and clandestine abortions. Facilitators included intersectoral collaboration, preventive education, and community networks, which improved access to and the quality of services for vulnerable populations. The findings emphasize the need for sustainable strategies that address structural inequalities and stigma while strengthening health systems, and intersectoral cooperation. Comprehensive, culturally tailored education and clear regulatory frameworks are essential to achieving equitable and sustainable SRH services. These insights offer practical guidance for public policy and program design in LAUMICs, particularly for addressing the needs of marginalized adolescent populations.

Keywords: sexual and reproductive health; adolescents; barriers and facilitators; Latin America; intersectoral collaboration; public policy; social stigma; structural inequalities (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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