Knowledge and use of emergency contraception among adolescent students of the high school

Author(s)

Christiane Borges do Nascimento

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola de Enfermagem (EE/SBD)
• Defense date: 2012-10-24

Examining board members

Ana Luiza Vilela Borges; Luiza Akiko Komura Hoga; Néia Schor

• Advisor: Ana Luiza Vilela Borges

Abstract

Contraceptive practices in adolescence present specific dynamics, in which decisions about the use of a method vary upon contraception knowledge, sexual experience and dating. As adolescents are mostly single, they alternate the use of contraceptive methods according to their relationships, whether occasional or permanent, as well as along it. Whenever there are alternations and discontinuities in the use of regular methods, emergency contraception may emerge as an option to prevent an unplanned pregnancy. Even though it is already available in some primary health services, little is known about adolescents knowledge and use. This study aimed to analyze the level of knowledge and use of emergency contraception among high school adolescent students. So we conducted a cross-sectional quantitative study. The study population was single students from 15 to 19 years of age enrolled in public and private high schools in the city of Arujá, São Paulo, Brazil. Students were selected based on a cluster sampling, conducted in two stages (stratificatied sampling by school and systematic sampling by class) (n = 669). Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire, in which the dependent variables were knowledge about emergency contraception and the use of emergency contraception (considering only those who reported sexual initiation). Independent variables were sociodemographic characteristics and sexual and contraceptive behavior. From multiple logistic regression analysis, data showed that associated variables to the level of knowledge of emergency contraception were school type, school year, sex/gender, sexual intercourse and knowledge of someone who has used the method. On the other hand, variables associated with the use of emergency contraception were religion, current dating and knowledge of someone who has used the method. Results showed that adolescents from both schools know little about emergency contraception, although more than a half have used this method. Level of knowledge of emergency contraception did not affect the use of this method. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/14228-5 - Knowledge and use of emergency contraception among middle school teenagers of Arujá city, São Paulo
• Grantee: Christiane Borges Do Nascimento Chofakian
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master