Puentes RE, Enríquez DB, Rodríguez DY, Correa JM

Language: Spanish
References: 0
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ABSTRACT

Introduction: there exists an early onset of sexual relations in adolescents at present, together with changes in the social attitude towards sexuality. Objective: to identify the particularities of and the knowledge on sexuality in adolescents. Methods: a cross-sectional and descriptive research study was conducted in 12 to 15 years-old adolescent students from "Viet Nam" junior high school located in Arroyo Naranjo municipality, during 2010 and 2011. The universe of study was 296 students from whom 150 finally made up the sample. They were randomly selected to complete 50 students representing each grade. A survey validated by the Ministry of Education served to collect information. All the participants gave their consent to be included in the study. Results: males and 15 years-old adolescents prevailed. The onset of sexual relations occurred at the age of 14 years for boys and 15 years for girls. Seventy two (56.69 %) adolescents used condom in their first sexual intercourse. The main channels of information were the parents, the professors and the TV programs. There were greater knowledge on HIV-aids, gonorrhea, and syphilis than on herpes simple and Chlamydia. Condom was the most common and known contraceptive method. Conclusions: this study showed the early onset of sexual relations and the poor knowledge about biological and natural contraceptive methods, which might point to the importance of the family, particularly the parents, the professors and the family physicians, in the increase and continuation of the educational work with the young people in terms of sexuality.