[Knowledge of pregnant adolescents about reproductive anatomy and physiology in a municipality of Southern Brazil].
OBJECTIVE
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 time pregnant adolescents who attended a public women's health clinic in the municipality of Indaiatuba, 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 Pearson's Chi-square or Fisher's 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 affiliation, 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.


CONCLUSIONS
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 contextualized approaches of programmatic contents on sexual education, in view of the intention to reduce early pregnancy.
Carvacho
Ingrid Espejo
IE
Unidade Básica de Saúde VII Morada do Sol, Ambulatório da Mulher, Indaiatuba, SP, Brazil.
Pinto E Silva
João Luiz
JL
Mello
Maeve Brito de
MB
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D002755:Choice Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005836:Genitalia, Female / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D011247:Pregnancy; D011253:Pregnancy in Adolescence / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012098:Reproduction / Q000502:physiology*; D012747:Sexual Partners; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors