External protective factors in adolescent boys aged 12 to 15 years at psychosocial risk enrolled in a Primary Health Care Center (CAPS) of Barrio Las Flores in the city of Rosario between March and October 2020

INTRODUCTION: This study focuses on the external protective factors that influence adolescent boys aged 12 to 15 years old at psychosocial risk. The research was conducted at the Primary Health Care Center (CAPS) No. 15 of Barrio Las Flores, in the city of Rosario, during the period from March to October 2020. The objective was to identify protective elements in their social and educational environment that could contribute to the well-being and integral development of this age group. The research design was descriptive and cross-sectional. We worked with a sample of 30 adolescents who agreed to participate through the application of a structured survey of 10 questions, which was answered with the consent and accompaniment of a responsible adult. The questionnaire addressed issues related to school, extracurricular activities, artistic and sports interests, friendship relationships and group membership. Among the main findings, a school dropout rate of 33.34% was observed, while 73% of the adolescents indicated that they do not like to attend school. However, only 30% considered that school attendance was not important. As for extracurricular activities, 37% of respondents participate in them, and 23% belong to organized groups outside of school. Sports preferences lean almost exclusively towards soccer, while 70% showed interest in music and 50% in theater and circus activities. Friendship relationships are highly relevant, reaching a preponderance of 93.34%, surpassing in importance organized groups such as churches or boy-scouts (23.40%). In addition, 50% of the adolescents referred to being in a dating relationship. The school environment stands out as a fundamental protective external factor, despite the high dropout and disinterest reported, evidencing the need to reinforce its role in the development of adolescents. Extracurricular activities, both sports and artistic, represent another relevant dimension that promotes well-being and social integration. Likewise, the bonding dimension, expressed in friendship relationships and belonging to peer groups with common projects, is a key aspect at this stage of life. Finally, the importance of the guidance of responsible and qualified adults to channel concerns and strengthen these protective factors in vulnerable contexts is highlighted.