Use of Photovoice to Examine Perceptions of Identity, Gender, and SRH Among Venezuelan Youth Aged 10-19 Restricted; Files Only

Abstract

Introduction: The ongoing political, human rights, and socio-economic developments in Venezuela since 2015 have led to the displacement of more than 6 million people to neighboring countries and beyond, creating a Complex Humanitarian Emergency (CHE). CHEs are caused by a combination of social, political, and economic collapse and express in the disruption of essential services, including, health systems. This negatively affects health outcomes. For instance, Venezuela has one of the highest rates of pregnancy in the region: 101 live births per 1,000 15-19 years old women, with no clear data for those below 14 years old. In this context, the Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) needs of youth under 20 are underexamined. 

 

Objectives and Scope: To understand the perspectives and experiences of SRH for Venezuelan youth. This is a sub-study of a larger project from Vitala Global focused on adapting an existing digital SRH educational platform (Aya Contigo) for youth under 20 years old.  

 

Methods: We adapted the photovoice methodology to engage adolescents and youth aged 10-19 in photo-taking, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions about their SRH needs and experiences in the context of a Complex Humanitarian Emergency. We recorded and transcribed the qualitative data and conducted a theme analysis through a ‘flexible coding’ approach in DedooseTM.    

 

Results: 23 adolescents were recruited and 13 completed the study (56% response). Preliminary findings show 1) the need for safe spaces within and outside of the healthcare system to express their identities and sexuality; 2) participants’ feelings of disconnection from institutions like school, health services, and authority figures within the family; 3) despite the effects of a CHE on their life course, participants do have clear, actionable ideas for “more positive” and equitable futures free from stigma.  

 

Conclusions: Taken as a whole, these findings suggest that youth in Venezuela do not feel supported or safe enough to fully form and express their sexual identities under the current social and political conditions. Findings along with recommendations can be used for SRH response planning during CHEs and inform the design of future SRH programs in the country and region.   

  

 

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction ………………………………………………………………………….1

 Purpose Statement………………………………………………………………………………..3

 Research Objective and Aims…………………………………………………………..……….3

 Significance Statement……………………………………………………………………..….…4

Chapter 2: Literature Review ……………………………………..………………………….….4

 Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health in Latin America and Venezuela ……….…….4

 Complex Humanitarian Emergency in Venezuela …………………...…………………..…8

 Impact of Complex Humanitarian Emergency on Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health in

 Venezuela…………………………………………………………………………………...….......10

 Designing Appropriate Youth Services in Complex Humanitarian Emergencies…....12

 Impact of Complex Humanitarian Emergency on Youth's Gender and Development in

 Venezuela………………………..……………………………………………………….…......….13

Chapter 3: Student Contribution Statement..…………………………………………….....18

Chapter 4: Manuscript………...……………………………….…………………………..……..18

 Introduction……………………………………………….…………………………………......…18

 Methodology……………………………………………..………………………….......…………21

 Results……………………………………………...………………………………….......….…….32

 Discussion….………………………………………..….…………………………………......……51

 Limitations ………………………………………….……………………………….......…………57

 Strengths ………………………………………………………………………………........………59

Chapter 5: Recommendations and Conclusions ..……………………………..…...………..59

 Recommendations ………………………………………………………………..….....…………59

 Public Health Implications…………………………………………………………………..…..60

 Conclusion …………………………………………………………………………….......……….62

References…………………………………………………………………………….......….………63

Appendix………………………………………………………………………………….......………71

About this Master's Thesis

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School	Rollins School of Public Health
Department	Hubert Department of Global Health
Degree	M.P.H.
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Health Sciences, Public Health
Palavra-chave	Global Health Photovoice Sexual and Reproductive Health Youth
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Subasri Narasimhan, Emory University
Partnering Agencies	National or regional non-profit organization (e.g., American Cancer Society)

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