ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Sexual and reproductive rights include access to accurate and appropriate information in order to make informed decisions. In the current age of media globalization and Internet, adolescents are exposed to information about sexual health and sexuality from a myriad of sources. The objective of this study was to explore sources of information and adolescent learning about sexual health and sexuality in Santiago, Chile. METHODS: Data collection included four focus group discussions with a total of 24 adolescents 18-19 years old, 20 semi-structured interviews with adolescents 16-19 years old, and seven interviews with key informants working with adolescents. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and analysed using content analysis. RESULTS: The primary sources of sexual health and sexuality information were parents, teachers and friends, whilst secondary sources included health professionals for females and Internet for males. Information provided by the trusted sources of parents, teachers and health professionals tended to focus on biological aspects of sexuality, particularly pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Limited emphasis was placed on topics such as love, attraction, pleasure, relationships, abstinence and sexual violence. Information focused primarily on heterosexual relations and reproduction. Adolescents learnt about relationships and sexual acts through friends, partners and, for many males, pornography. Findings indicate a lack of available information on partner communication, setting personal limits, and contraception, including morally neutral and medically correct information about emergency contraception. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights numerous gaps between adolescent information needs and information provided by parents, teachers and health professionals. The priority these trusted sources place on providing biological information overshadows learning about emotional and relational aspects of sexuality. This biological rationalization of adolescent sexual behaviour neglects the way gender inequality, peer-pressure, coercion, media eroticization and religion influence adolescent sexual decision-making. The heteronormativity of information excludes other sexual orientations and disregards the diverse spectrum of human sexual behaviours. Finally, the limited provision of practical information hinders development of skills necessary for ensuring safe, consensual and pleasurable sexual relations. Trusted adults are encouraged to engage adolescents in critical reflection on a broad range of sexuality topics, dispelling myths, and building knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions.
Subject(s)
Adolescent Behavior , Contraception , Sex Education , Sexual Behavior , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/prevention & control , Adolescent , Adolescent Health Services , Chile , Female , Humans , Interviews as Topic , Male , Pregnancy , Young AdultABSTRACT
OBJETIVO: Describir y analizar los principales conocimientos sobre anticoncepción de emergencia y conductas sexuales de adolescentes. METODOLOGÍA: Diseño de corte transversal a través de encuesta autoadministrada y anónima, aplicada a adolescentes consultantes de un centro especializado en salud sexual y reproductiva. RESULTADOS: Se respondieron 143 encuestas. La media de edad fue de16 años. El 37,6% consideró que la anticoncepción de emergencia (AE)impide la ovulación y un 36,9% la consideró abortiva. La principal razón para utilizar AE sería en caso de violación (91,3%). Estar asistiendo a controles ginecológicos, estar informada sobre AE, haberla utilizado previamente y asegurar la confidencialidad se asoció al correcto conocimiento sobre su mecanismo de acción. El 61,5% de las mujeres y el 50% delos hombres inician su vida sexual a los 15 años o a edades menores. Respecto al uso del condón, declaran utilizarlo siempre un 12,6% de las mujeres y un 19,2% de los hombres. Las principales fuentes de información sobre sexualidad fueron los amigos, el colegio y los padres. CONCLUSIONES: La mayoría de los adolescentes no conocen el mecanismo de acción de la AE. Es importante la educación sanitaria, con fundamentos científicos
OBJECTIVE: Was to describe and analyze the main knowledge about emergency contraception and sexual behaviors of adolescents. METHODOLOGY: Cross-sectional design. This study utilized a self administered, anonymous survey that contained questions regarding emergency contraception (EC).RESULTS: 143 adolescents completed the survey. The median age was16 years old. 37.6% believe that EC prevents ovulation, 36.9% consider it abortive. The main reason for using EC would be in cases of rape (91.3%). Be attending the controls, have knowledge about EC, and have used it agree to confidentiality regarding their use, was associated with correct knowledge about the mechanism of action.61.5% of women and 50% of men become sexually active at age 15or younger ages. The condom is always used by 12.6% of women and19.2% men. The main sources of information sexuality were friends, school and parents. CONCLUSIONS: The information collected is necessary to know for healthcare providers and for adolescent consultants, as there may be limitations to the indication and use of EC based on erroneous beliefs. It is important counseling and education, based on science
