Prevention Of Unplanned Pregnancy Research Articles

Design of a New Coating Agent Based on Graphene Oxide and Antimicrobial/Spermicidal Peptide (Sarcotoxin Pd) for Condom Coating: New Strategy for Prevention of Unplanned Pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Infections

In this study, sarcotoxin Pd-functionalized graphene oxide (GO-Pd) was synthesized as a new condom-coating agent. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by radial diffusion assay (RDA) and absorbance-based methods. Sperm motility and morphology were assessed in different concentrations of designed nanostructures. Peptide stability on the GO structures was assessed by the CD technique. GO-Pd showed the highest contact angle. The results approved that GO-Pd had broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities against examined pathogens, especially vaginal infections such as Candida vulvovaginitis. This antimicrobial activity was more than pristine peptides, vancomycin, and fluconazole. GO-Pd also had a higher inhibitory activity on the sperm motility and viability than pristine peptides. GO-Pd had high stability and activity in all examined conditions. But, naked peptides had low stability and activity after incubation in acidic pH and high temperatures (>38°C). In all tests, GO-Pd showed a significant difference compared to naked peptide. Based on the results, GO-Pd can be used as a condom coating to prevent unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

Adolescent pregnancy: An important issue for paediatricians and primary care providers-A position paper from the European academy of paediatrics.

Adolescent pregnancy and childbearing, remain a widespread health-related problem with potential short and long-term consequences. Comprehensive social, economic, environmental, structural, and cultural factors heavily impact on adolescents' sexual and reproductive health and early pregnancy. Health professionals can play a pivotal role in the prevention of unplanned pregnancy. Improved access to family planning, sexuality education in schools, community-based interventions, and policies contribute greatly to reduce the risk of adolescent pregnancy and the adoption of respectful and responsible sexual behaviour. Additionally, health care professionals can support pregnant adolescents in making decisions under these circumstances and provide adequate health care. This review highlights actions that can guide healthcare professionals in empowering young adolescents to become more aware and capable of making informed decisions about their sexual life, health, and future.

The prevalence of unplanned pregnancy among women attending antenatal primary care clinics in Qatar

Background: Currently, 40% of pregnancies worldwide are unplanned and leading to approximately 42 million induced abortions per year, and 34 million unintended births. Objectives: This study aims to ascertain the prevalence of unintended pregnancies among antenatal women attending antenatal clinics in Primary Care in Qatar and to establish any demographic differences among antenatal women around the choice of pregnancy. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study with convenience sampling was used to recruit the participants. A validated questionnaire (the London Measure of Unplanned Pregnancy (LMUP)) was used to look at the prevalence and hence the size of the problem. Results: Among 107 participants, scores on the LMUP ranged from 0-12 with a median of 10. Most pregnancies 79.4%, (n=85) were categorized as planned, 17.8% (n=19) as ambivalent, and 2.8% (n=3) as unplanned. 71% of women (n=76) described their current pregnancy as ‘wanted’, and 20.6% (n=22) as ‘mixed feelings’ and 8.4% of women (n=9)defined their pregnancy as ‘unwanted’. Women who are married for more than 5-years (:-1.50, 95%CI -2.47 to -0.52, p=0.003) tended to have significantly lower LMUP scores, and hence a higher risk of having a more unplanned pregnancy. However, women who are non-Qatari’s (:6.30, 95%CI 3.30 to 9.30, p<0.001) and have more than 5-years since last delivery (:2.32, 95%CI 0.95 to 3.68, p=0.001) have significantly higher LMUP scores and hence a lower risk of having a more unplanned pregnancy. Conclusion: Unplanned pregnancies in this population are rare among women attending antenatal clinics. Less planned pregnancies tended to be more prevalent among Qatari women compared to expatriates. Unplanned pregnancy prevention services need to be included within pregnancy care services in primary care settings to offer preferred contraception on time to effectively maintain the low rate of unplanned pregnancies in the country. Key words: Prevalence, unplanned pregnancy, antenatal clinics, primary care, Qatar

Management of Contraception in Adolescent Females With Hormone-Related Venous Thromboembolism

PurposeManagement of contraception in adolescent females with hormone-related venous thromboembolism (VTE) is challenging. We examined the characteristics of this patient population and outcomes, including recurrent VTE, heavy menstrual bleeding, and pregnancy. MethodsWe performed a single-institution retrospective cohort study of adolescents with a new diagnosis of VTE and concurrent use of estrogen- and/or progestin-containing medication (N = 89). We collected data on additional risk factors for thrombosis, management of hormone therapy, and anticoagulation. We compared outcomes between patients with prescribed contraception within the year after their VTE diagnosis (n = 52) with those without (n = 37). ResultsAt least one additional risk factor for thrombosis was identified in 92% of patients, and 73% had two or more. The most common additional thrombosis risk factors were obesity (35%), family history (33%), and recent immobility (33%). Ninety-seven percent of patients were receiving combined hormonal medications, and 42% of patients had their medication stopped and not replaced with an alternative. Heavy menstrual bleeding was reported while on anticoagulation in 46% of patients with a documented menstrual history. Recurrent VTE occurred in 9.0% of patients. The group without prescribed contraception had a significantly higher rate of pregnancy in the two years after VTE diagnosis (18% vs. 1.9%, p = .04). Two pregnancies occurred while on warfarin. DiscussionEarly assessment of contraceptive needs and menstrual bleeding symptoms are needed after diagnosis of hormone-related VTE in adolescent females. Access to contraceptive methods associated with low thrombosis risk is important for the prevention of unplanned pregnancy in this patient population.

Women's awareness and rate of the use of contraception in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A systematic review

Background: The prevention of unplanned pregnancies brings many benefits for women and their families alike, as well as for society in general. However, recent statistics indicate a need for increased knowledge and use of contraception in addition to the introduction of educational family planning services in the countries of the Middle East. Objectives: This review sought to explore women's awareness and rates of contraceptive use in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and to determine whether and to what extent women currently receive counseling on modern contraception at health-care facilities in KSA. Methods: Three electronic databases – MEDLINE, ProQuest Central, and PubMed – were searched, in addition to the academic search engine Google Scholar. Three reviewers independently assessed the eligibility of studies, abstracted study data, and assessed study quality. Results: Thirteen studies were identified for inclusion in this review; overall, these studies were cross-sectional and showed awareness and use of contraception to be at a relatively low level in KSA. Conclusion: Although the few studies that were identified for inclusion in this review reported a relatively low level of awareness and rate of use of contraception in KSA, each conclusion was supported by high-quality research with low risk of bias. Overall, this review has shed light on the gaps in studies that have been conducted in KSA on modern contraception.

How do social and spousal support influence postpartum depression?

Objective: Postpartum psychiatric morbidity is one of the most frequent complications of birth, cause of suicides and maternal death.We aimed to determine the prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) among mothers who gave birth in the last 6 months and alsoassess the risk factors, particularly poor social and spousal support.Patients and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. We included 303 mothers who gave birth in the last 6 months attendingthree family health centers in a district of Istanbul. Stratified sampling method was used. Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale,Postpartum Support Scale, The Scale of Perceived Spousal Support Among Women in Early Postpartum Period were administered.Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were used.Results: Postpartum depression prevalence was 9.9% among the participants. According to multivariate statistical analysis; while ahigher income (OR : 0.99) and a higher spousal support score (OR: 0.95) were found as protective factors, actively working (OR :8.63),unplanned pregnancy (OR: 3.21), having a first child compared to having two children (OR: 11.20), having low birth weight infant(OR: 8.33) and unmet social support (OR: 1.02) were risk factors for PPD (p<0.05).Conclusion: Considering the results of this study, increasing family income, social and spousal support, prevention of unplannedpregnancies using effective family planning methods and improving the life prosperity of the women are essential to the decrease ofPPD prevalence.

Facebook Doesn’t Like Sexual Health or Sexual Pleasure: Big Tech’s Ambiguous Content Moderation Policies and Their Impact on the Sexual and Reproductive Health of the Youth

This paper explores the modern challenges hindering access to sexual health resources in the age of Big Tech and their impact on public health. Research data from sexual health organizations, Internet experts, and corporate financial documents shows instances of conflict between Big Tech’s business model and the sexual health organizations’ efforts to provide accurate information about sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancy prevention to the youth. Results show that as younger generations turn to the internet for sexual health resources, they are met with misinformation and roadblocks, enabled by the dominant corporations in the market. Sexual pleasure, for instance, remains an overlooked dimension of these resources despite the fact that it is important to people. In conclusion, given the rise in popularity of tech platforms, and the youth’s reliance on them as basic information resources, Big Tech must be held accountable for its role and impact on public health, and collaborative closely and actively with sexual health experts to establish appropriate content moderation policies for sexual health content online.

Unplanned pregnancy-now what? : Effectiveness and acceptance of medical teaching units for primary and secondary prevention in schools

The German Medical Society for Health Promotion (ÄGGF) has developed aschool-based teaching unit for students in grade8 and higher that aims at primary and secondary prevention of unplanned pregnancies. The accompanying evaluation study analyzes the effects of the teaching unit on the students' knowledge and their experience with self-efficacy concerning unplanned pregnancies. Atwo-armed cluster-randomized controlled study was conducted using aten-page anonymous questionnaire with aclosed answer format before and after the intervention. In the first survey, 1855students participated; 1523students participated in the second. Participants in the intervention group showed agreater increase in knowledge over time. Compared to the control group, they showed an increased intention to use the pill and condoms as well as amarked increase in self-efficacy in the case of an unplanned pregnancy. Furthermore, they significantly corrected their perception of the age at which same-aged boys start having sexual intercourse. All effects remained stable when covariates were controlled. The teaching units were highly accepted: more than 90% of the participants stated that they would recommend them to other students. Aschool-based medical teaching unit about the prevention of unplanned teenage pregnancies was able to contribute to the improvement of students' knowledge and competency. The intervention itself was highly accepted within the target group.

Utilization and Associated Factors of Emergency Contraception among Female College Students in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background: Increasing the access and availability of modern contraceptives with emergency contraceptives prevent unplanned pregnancy. In Ethiopia, the rate of unintended pregnancy is high among adolescents. The role of the Emergency contraceptive is confirming in the prevention of unplanned pregnancy and its sequels. However, the use of emergency contraceptives in cities like Addis Ababa is verylow. Given that unsafe abortion is the leading cause of maternal mortality, appropriate use of emergency contraceptives as back up for regular contraceptive is therefore needed. Objective: This study has assessed the practice of emergency contraception and associated factors among female students in ALKAN Health Science Business and Technology (HSBT) College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based study among 271 female ALKAN Health Science Business Technology College, Addis Ababa campus students using a self-administered questionnaire. The study subjects were selected randomly using a stratified sampling technique. We used both descriptive summaries statistics and logistic regression to present the study findings. Results: The majority (93.3%) had emergency contraceptives awareness. Among those who had heard about an emergency contraceptive, 81.5% had good emergency contraceptive knowledge. The magnitude of participants who had used emergency contraceptive was 12.9%, where oral pills (93.3%) were the most frequently used method. Factors significantly associated with the use of emergency contraception were user being sexually active [AOR=124.0, 95%CI=33.4-61.1)], age less than or equal to 20 years [AOR=5.7, 95%CI=2.35-3.91)], and being single [AOR=6.2, 95%CI= 1.91-20.0)]. Conclusion: Efforts should be made to educate college female students on emergency contraceptives usage in their formal lesson.

An exploratory test of a couples-based condom-use intervention designed to promote pleasurable and safer penile–vaginal sex among university students

Objective: Dual use of male condoms and female contraceptives is widely advocated for unplanned pregnancy prevention, yet college students often neglect condoms. This feasibility and acceptability study assessed the efficacy of a self-guided home-based condom-promotion intervention among college students in heterosexual relationships. Participants: Fifty-nine couples who had been together at least 30 days and had penile–vaginal sex at least twice weekly. Methods: Assessments were done at baseline and 6 months later. Outcomes were frequency of condom-unprotected penile–vaginal sex and four psychosocial mediators of condom use. Results: Frequency of unprotected penile–vaginal sex decreased over time. Several corresponding psychosocial mediators showed change, particularly among women. Using actor–partner interdependence modeling, men’s increase in condom use was associated with an increase in women’s sexual pleasure. Conclusion: Findings support implementation of a brief, self-guided, home-based condom-use intervention that could lower incidence of unplanned pregnancy and STIs among heterosexually active college students.

Pharmacy Implementation of a New Law Allowing Year-Long Hormonal Contraception Supplies.

Background: Prescription hormonal contraceptive methods are vital to prevention of unplanned pregnancies. New legislation among 23 states has expanded access to contraception. In California, a 2017 law requires pharmacists to dispense year-long supplies of contraception and insurance plans to cover it upon patients’ request. This study assesses pharmacist knowledge of this new law 6 months after enactment. Methods: From July to November 2017, a random selection of 600 community pharmacies were called requesting a pharmacist (n = 532, 88.7% response). Pharmacists were asked if they had heard of the new law, if they would dispense a year-long supply to cash-pay, privately or publicly insured patients, and what they perceived as obstacles to dispensing year-long supplies. Results: Awareness of this law was assessed through these surveys. Most pharmacists responded they would dispense year-long supplies to cash-pay patients, regardless of knowledge of the new law (81% of “knew”, 70% of “did not know”, p = 0.1046). The top two perceived obstacles were insurance reimbursement (55.8%) and store policy (13.4%). Conclusion: Despite a new law requiring insurance coverage of a year-long supply of prescription birth control, most pharmacists were unaware at six months after the policy went into effect. Of those who were aware, the majority did not clearly understand it. Compliance among insurance plans is unknown. There was no implementation plan or awareness campaign for the new law.

A couple-focused, integrated unplanned pregnancy and HIV prevention program in urban and rural Zambia

Zambia's total fertility rate (5 births per woman) and adult HIV prevalence (11.5%) are among the highest in the world, with heterosexual couples being the most affected group. Jointly counseling and testing couples for HIV has reduced up to 58% of new HIV infections in Zambian clinics. Married women using contraceptives in Zambia have a high (20%) unmet need for family planning and low (8.6%) uptake of cost-effective long-acting reversible contraceptives. We present an integrated counseling, testing, and family-planning program to prevent HIV and unplanned pregnancy in Zambia. The objective of this study was to integrate effective HIV prevention and family-planning services for Zambian couples. A 3 year program (2013-2016) progressively integrated the promotion and provision of couples' voluntary HIV counseling and testing and long-acting reversible contraceptives. The program was based in 55 urban and 215 rural government clinics across 33 districts. In the first year, a couples' family-planning counseling training program was developed and combined with existing couples HIV counseling training materials. To avoid congestion during routine clinic hours, joint counseling services were initially provided on weekends, while nurses were trained in intrauterine device and hormonal implant insertion and removal during weekday family-planning services. Demand was created through mutual referral between weekend and weekday programs and by clinic staff, community health workers, and satisfied family-planning clients. When the bulk of integrated service training was completed, the program transitioned services to routine weekday clinic hours, ensuring access to same-day services. Performance indicators included number of staff trained, clients served, integrated service referrals, HIV infections averted, and unplanned pregnancies averted. A stepwise approach trained high-performing service providers to be trainers and used high-volume clinics for practicum training of the next generation. In total, 1201 (391 urban, 810 rural) counselors were trained and served 120,535 urban and 87,676 rural couples. In urban clinics, 236 nurses inserted 65,619 long-acting reversible contraceptives, while in rural clinics, 243 nurses inserted 35,703 implants and intrauterine devices. The program prevented an estimated 12,869 urban and 8279 rural adult HIV infections, and 98,626 unintended urban pregnancies. In the final year, the proportion of clients receiving joint counseling services on weekdays rose from 11% to 89%, with many referred from within clinics including HIV testing and treatment services (32%), outpatient department (31%), family planning (16%), and infant vaccination (15%). The largest group of clients requesting long-acting reversible contraceptives (45%) did so after joint fertility goal-based counseling, confirming the high impact of this couple-focused demand creation approach. Remaining family-planning clients responded to referrals from clinic nurses (34%), satisfied implant/intrauterine device users (13%), or community health workers (8%). Integrated HIV and unplanned pregnancy prevention can be implemented in low-resource public sector facilities. Combination services offered to couples mutually leverage HIV prevention and unplanned pregnancy prevention. The addition of long-acting reversible contraceptives is an important complement to the method mix available in government clinics. Demand creation in the clinic and in the community must be coordinated with a growing supply of well-trained providers.

The cultural context of sexual and reproductive health support: an exploration of sexual and reproductive health literacy among female Asylum Seekers and Refugees in Glasgow

Purpose Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) incorporates prevention of unplanned pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The sourcing, understanding and application of related information are important for health and this defines sexual and reproductive health literacy (SRHL). Health care utilization rates among Asylum Seekers and Refugees (ASRs) may not be high and they are unlikely to seek sufficient SRH information and care in their host countries, leaving some needs unmet. No SRHL research related to Scotland’s Asylum Seeking and Refugee Women (ASRW) exists. In this qualitative study, the purpose of this paper is to explore the SRHL-related views and experiences of adult ASRW living in Glasgow and their views on assistance required to improve their SRHL. Design/methodology/approach In total, 14 semi-structured interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed and qualitative thematic analysis employed. Findings Five themes and 13 sub-themes with four key findings highlighted: experience of unmet SRHL needs, similarities and differences in the source of SRH information, SRH views and behaviours influenced by cultural and religious factors, barriers and facilitators to accessing SRH information/care and developing SRHL. Research limitations/implications This was a small scale qualitative study affording limited transferability. The work addressed a highly sensitive topic among women from conservative home country cultures. Practical implications Routine collection of sexual and reproductive health data by the NHS should be explored for this group. NHS staff should be aware of the rights of asylum seekers, Refugees and failed asylum seekers, to NHS healthcare free at the point of delivery in Scotland (National Health Service, 2019; Scottish Government, 2018), and be well trained in the likely religious and cultural norms of these groups. Host communities should consider improving access to SRH information and care in ASRWs first languages. Social implications The study identified weaknesses in the opportunities for social integration afforded this group and the coordination of existing social opportunities. The stigmatization of immigrants in the UK is well understood and has repercussions for many individuals and societal organizations implicated in the promotion of this. Originality/value This paper addresses a very sensitive topic with women from conservative cultures. With few publications in this area, and none pertaining to Scotland, the paper makes a small but original contribution that might be considered a starting point for researchers and relevant services in Scotland.

Associated factors of modern contraceptive use among women infected with human immunodeficiency virus in Enemay District, Northwest Ethiopia: a facility-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe prevention of unplanned pregnancy among women infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is critical for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV. Of the prevention strategies, deployment of modern contraceptives is principal one. However, there were limited facts on utilization of modern contraceptives and associated factors among HIV infected women, in particular of resource-limited settings in Ethiopia. Hence, we aimed to quantify the proportion of modern contraceptive utilization and the possible related factors among women infected HIV.MethodsA facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted on randomly selected 632 women infected with HIV from 05 February to 25 March 2018. Data on their treatment, socio-economic, and demographic background were collected through a structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify the associated factors of modern contraceptive use among women infected with HIV.ResultWe found 61.4% (95% CI, 57.6–65.2) were using modern contraceptives. Greater than four family size (AOR:2.17; 95%CI: 1.31–3.59), family planning counseling service (AOR: 2.37; 95% CI: 1.44–3.91), discussing contraceptive issues with sexual partner (AOR: 1.76; 95% CI: 1.12–2.77), history of giving birth (s) (AOR:2.21; 95%CI:1.20–4.05) and World Health Organization (WHO) clinical stage III or IV (AOR: 3.59; 95%CI: 1.37, 9.44) were positively associated with modern contraceptives use, whereas, older age (AOR: 0.45; 95% CI: 0.24–0.81) and being widowed (AOR: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.14–0.83), abridged the chances of modern contraceptives use.ConclusionThe prevalence of modern contraceptive use among women infected with HIV is low. Higher family size, counseling on contraceptives, discussing contraceptives issues with partner, history of giving births and WHO clinical stage III/IV were positively related with contraceptives use, whereas, older age and being widowed abridged the chances of contraceptives use among HIV infected women. Therefore, our findings support calls for the district health office and the antiretroviral treatment clinics of the resource-limited settings to work more on family planning counseling services and promoting more dialogues with sexual partners on modern contraceptives use.

Specifics of Hormonal Status in Combined Dishormonal Pathology of the Uterus and Mammary Glands in Reproductive Age

The combined dyshormonal pathology of the uterus and mammary glands represents a great danger to the health of a woman, as well as impairs the quality of life, reduces the reproductive capacity of a woman and leads to premature loss of reproductive function. Steroid hormones play a large role in the regulation of proliferative changes in the uterus and mammary glands. Regulation of target organs, uterus and mammary glands, due to the presence of common mechanisms associated with the presence of the receptor apparatus in the tissues of these organs to sex hormones. The general links of pathogenesis and the high frequency of combined pathology of the uterus and mammary glands are of interest to study not only isolated forms of proliferation, but also the development of a unified systematic approach to the study of this pathology. In recent times, there are opposing views on the role of hormonal dysfunction as a factor in proliferative processes. The management tactics of patients with pathological changes in the mammary gland in various gynecological diseases is an assessment of endocrine status, normalization of hormonal and metabolic disorders, especially when progesterone and cortisol are excreted, testosterone levels are increased, and hyperprolactinemia is affected. Special attention should be paid to patients with menstrual disorders, reproductive health disorders. We believe that the problem of the hyperproliferative processes of the uterus and mammary glands should not be considered only from the perspective of gynecological or mammological practice. This pathology is polymorphic and should have broad interdisciplinary connections with such disciplines as oncology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, psychiatry, therapy, pathomorphology, histology, obstetrics and gynecology. Only by studying all possible links of etiopathogenesis, by combining interdisciplinary communication, it is possible to effectively fight for the quality of patients with a combined pathology of the uterus and mammary glands. Family planning, prevention of unplanned pregnancy, timely implementation of maternity, prevention of miscarriage, the use of modern contraceptives, support for breastfeeding is also of high importance for the prevention of disorders and the preservation, extension of reproductive capabilities, and the prevention of combined dyshormonal pathology of the uterus and breast.

Pregnancy and multiple sclerosis: Risk of unplanned pregnancy and drug exposure in utero.

BackgroundMultiple sclerosis is a central nervous system demyelinating disease that affects women of reproductive potential. It is important to identify the frequency and risk factors of unplanned or disease-modifying therapy-exposed pregnancies to create interventions to reduce these.MethodsThis retrospective, single-center, observational chart review study aims to identify risk factors for unplanned pregnancy to identify a target population for family counseling.ResultsIn total, 63 live births in 45 patients (20 unplanned and 43 planned) were analyzed. The percentage of unplanned pregnancy was 32%. The proportion of those receiving family planning counseling was lower in the patients with unplanned pregnancies (p < 0.001). The main risk factors for unplanned pregnancy were younger age (p = 0.004), disease-modifying therapy exposure (p < 0.001), and being unmarried (p < 0.001). Overall, 16 pregnancies had disease-modifying therapy exposure and in a subsequent study the risk for disease-modifying therapy exposure was unplanned status (p < 0.001). Birth outcomes were not different between groups. There were more enhancing lesions in the post-partum magnetic resonance imaging of women with planned pregnancy (p < 0.04).ConclusionPrevention of unplanned pregnancy could lead to less disease-modifying therapy exposed pregnancies. This study suggests a targeted intervention of family planning counseling in younger, unmarried multiple sclerosis patients could potentially lead to less unintended in utero disease-modifying therapy exposure.

Corrigendum to "Prevalence of Antenatal Depression and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at Dubti Hospital: A Case of Pastoralist Region in Northeast Ethiopia".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2018/1659089.].

Adaptation of an effective school-based sexual health promotion program for youth in Colombia

RationaleGiven the disproportionate impact of HIV and STIs among youth in Latin America, there is a compelling need for effective sex education programs. In particular, Colombia lacks a nationally standardized youth sex education program, despite the fact that 15 to 24-year-olds accounted for the highest incidence and prevalence rates of HIV and STIs in the nation. In an attempt to fill this void, our team adapted COMPAS, a Spanish school-based sexual health promotion intervention, for Colombian adolescents. Objective: This study describes the adaptation process that resulted in a modified version of COMPAS for youth in Colombia. Method: We employed a systematic cultural adaptation process utilizing a mixed methods approach, including intervention adaptation sessions with 100 young adolescents aged 15–19. The process included six steps: 1) consulting international researchers and community stakeholders; 2) capturing the lived experiences of a diverse sample of colombian youth; 3) identifying priorities and areas in need of improvement; 4) integrating the social cognitive theory, information-motivation-behavioral skills model, and an ecological framework for colombian youth; 5) adapting intervention content, activities, and materials; and 6) quantitative evaluation of COMPAS by Colombian youth. Results: The adapted intervention incorporates elements common to effective youth sex education interventions, including: a solid theoretical foundation, sexual communication skills and social support for protection, and guidance on how to utilize available cultural- and linguistic-appropriate services. In addition, the adapted intervention incorporates cultural and linguistic appropriate content, including an emphasis on tackling machismo to promote risk reduction behaviors. Conclusions: The systematic adaptation approach to sexual health intervention for youth can be employed by researchers and community stakeholders in low-resource settings for the promotion of health wellness, linkage to care, and STI and unplanned pregnancy prevention for youth.

Відповідальне батьківство та репродуктивне здоров’я підлітків як складові статевого виховання

The article shows that an important problem of Ukraine is the preservation of reproductive potential and the birth of healthy posterity. According to the WHO (World Health Organization), today Ukraine occupies one of the last places among the countries of the European Union in terms of natural population growth. This situation is happening due to the peculiarities of reproductive behavior and the population's reproductive motivation, which depends on the economic and socio-psychological state of the population. Essential to the implementation of childbearing function is reproductive health. The author emphasizes that the problem of maternity and paternity has recently become increasingly disciplinary in nature, becoming an important subject of study not only in the sciences traditionally directly related to it (medicine, physiology, behavioral biology), but also in the humanities such as history, cultural studies, sociology, psychology, social work. Reproductive health consists of several components: sexual health, family planning, maternity and paternity. Reproductive health is influenced by many factors: ecological, social, economic, hazardous and harmful production, etc. Reproductive health is a system of measures that are directly related to the emergence of healthy posterity and family planning; protection from sexually transmitted diseases; and treatment of diseases of the reproductive system to prevent infant and maternal mortality. The main factors of negative impact on reproductive health are stress, impaired sleep and nutrition, frequent and chronic diseases (including HIV and STIs), abortion, bad habits such as smoking, alcohol, drug usage, promiscuous sex, gambling and computer games, etc. Reproductive health includes the following components: safe pregnancy and childbirth, the period of childbirth and after them; fertility treatment; treatment of diseases of the reproductive sphere; safe, effective prevention of unplanned pregnancy; accessibility and choice of safe methods of contraception and health; treatment of sexually transmitted infections. A separate problem was the psychological readiness of young people to marry, create a family, give birth to children. There is a change in the prior directions of personal development. More and more young people give paramount importance to the material foundations of life, moral and ethical principles and family values are becoming less and less significant. On the one hand, this leads to a more balanced decision about childbearing, their development and upbringing, and on the other hand, it reduces the relationship with the child to the level of material support for his/her needs. Under such conditions, the problem arises of the quality of parents fulfilling the educational functions and responsibilities for development and parenthood, the need to form a conscious, responsible attitude to the parenthood in the young age. Considering this, responsible paternity, reproductive health as a component of preparing young men and women for their responsibilities for the future marriage is one of the main tasks for society. Key words: responsible parenthood, reproductive health, sexual upbringing

Misalignment of sexual and reproductive health priorities among older Latino adolescents and their mothers

ObjectiveThe study describes maternal and adolescent perspectives on sexual decision making and the role of mothers in shaping use of contraception for the prevention of unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among older Latino adolescents. Study designResearchers used a semistructured interview guide to conduct focus group discussions with 21 mother–adolescent Latino dyads (n=42). Latino adolescents ages 17–19 were eligible for the study. We recruited families from the South Bronx, New York City, using area sampling methodology. For analysis of qualitative data, we used the framework method involving open coding, identification of dominant themes, refining of codebooks and indexing. ResultsOverwhelmingly, results suggest asymmetric priorities and preferences regarding maternal involvement in older adolescent sexual and contraceptive decision making. Mothers primarily employed practices designed to prevent adolescent sexual activity. Most teens reported already having experienced sexual debut and were currently sexually active. Adolescents expressed a strong interest in practical support for sexual decision making, including maternal guidance regarding effective access to and use of contraception. Mothers offered limited guidance or support with such matters. Maternal views focused entirely on the health and social consequences of sex in lieu of specific guidance on contraception for older sexually active adolescents. The findings highlight a missed opportunity for Latino mothers to support their older adolescent children to prevent unplanned pregnancies, STIs and HIV. ConclusionMothers have the potential to positively shape adolescent contraceptive decision making and behavior. Misalignment of priorities between mothers and adolescents diminishes the potential of reducing adolescent sexual and reproductive health (SRH) disparities. ImplicationsMothers are influential in reducing adolescent SRH risk. However, asymmetric priorities among Latino adolescents and their mothers regarding support for SRH reduce likelihood of reducing adolescent negative SRH outcomes and supporting adolescent health. Programs supporting better alignment of maternal guidance and adolescent SRH needs are warranted.