The use of contraceptive methods by adolescents: knowledge of high school students

Abstract

The aim was to identify the knowledge of teenage high school students about contraceptive methods. It is a descriptive, exploratory field research, with a quantitative approach. The setting was a private school, located in the city of Arraial do Cabo, in the state of Rio de Janeiro. The research subjects were adolescents enrolled in high school in the research setting. Descriptive statistical analysis was carried out, the results of which were discussed based on theoretical bases relevant to the theme. Regarding the characterization of the 23 research participants, there was a greater number of girls (56.5%). Most of them were 16 (39.1%) years old. 52.1% stated they had already had sexual intercourse, while 47.8% stated the opposite. The male condom proved to be the most known and used method by adolescents. It was observed that the countless myths that guide the use of contraceptive methods guide the understanding and attitudes of adolescents. In this context, the importance of quality sex education in schools is highlighted, as well as encouraging parents to participate in their children's sexual lives, thus preventing these teenagers from using other means to acquire information.