Related Experiment Videos
[Knowledge of contraceptive methods among adolescent students].
Laura B Motta Martins1, Lúcia Costa-Paiva, Maria José D Osis
1Hospital Leonor Mendes de Barros, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. laurabernardi@globo.com.br
Revista De Saude Publica
|January 18, 2006
Summary
Adolescent knowledge of contraceptive methods is low across public and private schools. Both socioeconomic groups require improved family planning education to enhance understanding and promote safer behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Adolescent Health
- Reproductive Health
Context:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted in São Paulo, Brazil, involving 1,594 adolescents aged 12-19.
- Participants were drawn from 13 public and five private schools.
- Data collection occurred from June to December 2003, utilizing questionnaires on sociodemographic, reproductive, and contraceptive knowledge.
Purpose:
- To compare contraceptive knowledge levels between public and private school adolescents.
- To identify factors associated with adequate contraceptive knowledge among adolescents.
Summary:
- Overall, adolescent knowledge of contraceptive methods was found to be low in both public and private school settings.
- Higher knowledge was associated with being female, attending private school, higher socioeconomic status, sexual activity, and older age.
- Prevalence ratios for correct answers on contraceptive methods were estimated, with a 50% cut-off for adequate knowledge.
Impact:
- Highlights the need for targeted family planning education for all socioeconomic groups of adolescents.
- Suggests that improved information can lead to better contraceptive knowledge and potentially influence sexual behavior.
- Informs public health strategies aimed at enhancing adolescent reproductive health literacy.