Artículos de revistas
Knowledge of pregnant adolescents about reproductive anatomy and physiology in a municipality of southern Brazil
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Revista Da Associacao Medica Brasileira. Assoc Medica Brasileira, v. 54, n. 1, n. 29, n. 35, 2008.
0104-4230
WOS:000255920400016
10.1590/S0104-42302008000100017
Author
Carvacho, IE
Silva, JLPE
de Mello, MB
Institutions
Abstract
Objectives. To study knowledge of some aspects of the female reproductive anatomy and physiology and their association with socio-demographic and reproductive "choices" of pregnant adolescents. METHODS. A cross-sectional study was performed with 200 first dine pregnant adolescents who attended a public women's health clinic in the municipality of lndaiatuba, Sao Paulo, Brazil. During their first prenatal care visit, face-to-face interviews were conducted using a structured questionnaire and a three-dimensional handmade female model. Bivariate data analyses were performed using Person's Chi-square or fisher Exact test. Data were also analyzed using multivariate logistic regression models to test for associations of indicators of knowledge of female reproductive anatomy, physiology of female reproductive organs and physiology of reproduction with socio-demographic characteristics and reproductive "choices". RESULTS. The majority had little knowledge of anatomy (55.5%), with external organs more easily identified and placed than the internal,, of physiology of reproductive organs (61.0%), and of physiology of reproduction (76.5%). Associations were found between knowledge and age of partner, couple difference of age, maintenance of the relationship with partner after pregnancy, religious affilliation, and level of education. No association was found between indicators of knowledge with use of contraceptives at first intercourse and with intention of having the baby at that time. CONCLUSION. This study addressed the complexity of the relationship between knowledge of reproductive anatomy and physiology and the theme of adolescent pregnancy, and emphasized the need for more contextuallzed approaches of programmatic contents on sexual education, in view of the intention to reduce early pregnancy. 54 1 29 35