Challenges in preventing unions and pregnancies among adolescents in rural and Indigenous communities ruled by customs and traditions in Mexico.

Various Indigenous communities in Mexico establish their regulatory system according to their customs and traditions. In Chiapas, 27% of the population is Indigenous and has a high adolescent fertility rate. This study analyzes how customs and traditions influence unions and early pregnancies in specific contexts of rural and Indigenous communities. A descriptive qualitative research was conducted by means of semi-structured interviews with key informants who interact directly with the adolescent population. An inductive process determined analytical categories and emerging codes, forming matrices by type of informant. We interviewed 45 people (16 school staff members, 15 healthcare professionals and 14 civil society organizations leaders). The customs and traditions that characterizes these communities are linked to a traditional perception of gender relations, leading to the acceptance and promotion of unions and pregnancies at an early age. The analysis identified three situations that encourage early unions and pregnancy: clandestine dating and voluntary cohabitation without parental approval; clandestine dating and forced marital union/cohabitation agreed upon by the parents; structural and sexual violence (sale, exchange of daughters for merchandise or animals and/or rape). Adolescent pregnancy prevention strategies must address both the individual and the social and cultural context for a successful implementation.