Abstract
This study aimed to analyze the repercussion of first sexual intercourse on the number of pregnancies and partners of teenagers with obstetric history in Teresina (PI), Brazil. This is a cross-sectional study with 464 young women selected by accidental sampling who gave birth at 15-19 years of age in the first four months of 2006 in six maternity hospitals of the municipality. Primary data was collected from May to December 2008 at the participants' homes after tracking them in the hospital medical records. The univariate and bivariate analysis were performed by descriptive statistics and Pearson's Correlation Coefficient Test or T-test, respectively. Tukey's post hoc test was used as post hoc test and significant variables on the bivariate analysis (p < 0.05) were also included in the multifactor analysis of variance model. Schooling (p < 0,001) and menarche's age (p < 0,001) influenced the age of first sexual intercourse and this, in turn, showed significant negative correlation (p < 0.01) with the number of partners and pregnancies of young women. Thus, the earlier the young women start sexual activity, the higher the number of pregnancies and sexual partners until the moment of their reproductive life. Thus, early first sexual intercourse had a negative repercussion on these variables.
Highlights
Adolescence is a life stage characterized by rapid growth, emergence of secondary sexual characteristics, personality structure, environmental adaptation and social integration
The results showed that young women with a gestational history began their sexual life at an early age, which resulted in greater exposure to multiple partners and pregnancies in adolescence
We conclude that the earlier the onset of sexual intercourse, the greater the negative impact on the reproductive and sexual life of young women, represented by the higher number of pregnancies and sexual partners, respectively
Summary
Adolescence is a life stage characterized by rapid growth, emergence of secondary sexual characteristics, personality structure, environmental adaptation and social integration. Adolescents attempt to detach themselves from the infantile phase to assume behaviors that transform them into a socially accepted adult In this process of transformation, they become more aware of their own sexuality, which has been constructed throughout life through the interpersonal relationships established between the individual and the environment in which they live as an opportunity to develop their sexual interaction capacity[1]. Many adolescents do not understand that this event represents their most intense introduction in the group vulnerable to Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), unplanned pregnancy and abortion[5]. Since they do not perceive unsafe sexual practice risks, some adolescents experience this moment without worrying about the possible negative consequences that this event may cause[6]
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