Abstract
There has been a growing interest in patterns of contraceptive use among adolescents, due, in particular, to the social relevance attached to pregnancy in this age group. Therefore, the objective of the study was to investigate factors associated with the use of contraceptive methods among female and male adolescent students. A cross-sectional study was conducted, by means of self-applied questionnaires, among 4,774 students ranging from 11 to 19 years of age. Prevalence with respect to the use of contraceptive methods during the first experience of sexual intercourse as well as the most recent one was calculated both separately, that is, for each of these events, and in conjunction as a measure of consistent use. Logistic regression was carried out for simultaneous analysis of factors associated with the use of contraceptive methods and in order to calculate adjusted measures. Among the 1,664 students who reported being sexually active, the factors positively associated with the consistent use of contraceptive methods among male students included a) postponing their first experience of sexual intercourse and interaction with a stable partner, b) the family as a potential supplier of contraceptive methods, and c) access to health services. On the other hand, among female students factors positively associated with the consistent use of contraceptive methods included a) recent sexual initiation, and b) having a father as their source of information regarding sexuality, contraception and STD/AIDS prevention. Pregnancy was reported by 6.4% of the boys and 18.1% of the girls, its absence was associated with the consistent use of contraceptives by them (the girls) (Odds Ratio=3.83; 2.06-7.15). The results confirm the complexity of determining contraceptive behavior among adolescents and therefore reinforce the need to include multi-dimensional aspects of this theme in order to ensure the efficacy of sex education programs.
Highlights
During the last two decades, innumerous studies have been undertaken which have focused on adolescence as a result of the transformations in the social appraisal of this group.The World Health Organization[1 4] defines adolescents as people ranging from 10 to 19 years of age, a definition which has been adopted in Brazil by the “Programa de Saúde do Adolescente” (Adolescent Health Program) of the “Ministério da Saúde”.Within national and foreign investigations focusing on this age group, predominant themes include, amongst others, those related to fecundity, to the use of contraceptives and pregnancy, as well as the prevention of STD/Aids
Among the 1664 students who reported being sexually active, the factors positively associated with the consistent use of contraceptive methods among male students included a) postponing their first experience of sexual intercourse and interaction with a stable partner, b) the family as a potential supplier of contraceptive methods, and c) access to health services
Among female students factors positively associated with the consistent use of contraceptive methods included a) recent sexual initiation, and b) having a father as their source of information regarding sexuality, contraception and STD/Aids prevention
Summary
Within national and foreign investigations focusing on this age group, predominant themes include, amongst others, those related to fecundity, to the use of contraceptives and pregnancy, as well as the prevention of STD/Aids. It is interesting to note that there are few Brazilian studies centered on the determinants of the use of contraceptive methods, besides those focused predominantly on female clients of health services. A series of studies have begun to emerge which stress the importance of the role played by men in the reproductive and contraceptive choices being taken. Noteworthy among the latter is the investigation conducted within Brazil by Sociedade Civil do Bem-Estar Familiar (BEMFAM)1 [Family Welfare Civil Society] in 1996
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