Abstract

Teenage Pregnancy in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Track: Health and Human Services
Authors: Trevor Stine

Our local survey results in combination with the Mexican census reports led to the creation of thematic maps utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Our spatial analysis illustrated where teenage pregnancy and parenthood occur most frequently. Difference between proportions of survey participants were analyzed for geospatial significance. Cluster maps were produced using univariate LISA. The thematic maps also display spatial patterns of demographic, health and education variables such as contraception use and educational achievement of the participants. Increasing quality and access to social services will be essential for alleviating the traditional negative outcomes caused by adolescent parenthood and decreasing the current levels, which are higher than national averages. Illustrating spatial patterns with accurate maps pinpoints primary target areas of new programs for at-risk teenagers as well as teenage parents.