title: [Sexual behavior and emergency contraception among adolescents from public schools in Pernambuco State, Brazil].
abstract: This study focused on knowledge and use of emergency contraception among 4,210 adolescents (14-19 years) enrolled in public schools in Pernambuco State, Brazil. Information was collected using the Global School-Based Student Health Survey, previously validated. Knowledge, frequency, and form of use of emergency contraception were investigated. Independent variables were classified as socio-demographic and those related to sexual behavior. Most adolescents reported knowing and having received information about the method, but among those who had already used it, only 22.1% had done so correctly. Adjusted regression analysis showed greater likelihood of knowledge about the method among girls (OR = 5.03; 95%CI: 1.72-14.69) and the sexually initiated (OR = 1.52; 95%CI: 1.34-1.75), while rural residents were 68% less knowledgeable. Rural residents showed 1.68 times higher odds (CI95%: 1.09-2.25) of incorrect use, while girls showed 71% lower likelihood of incorrect use. Sexual and reproductive education is necessary, especially among male and rural adolescents.
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Enfermagem Nossa Senhora das Graças, Universidade de Pernambuco, Recife, Brasil. suelypeixoto2004@yahoo.com.br
authors.forename: Maria Suely Peixoto de
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Araújo
authors.forename: Laura Olinda Bregieiro Fernandes
authors.initials: LO
authors.lastname: Costa
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D000367:Age Factors; D001938:Brazil; D044363:Contraception, Postcoital / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011275:Pregnancy, Unwanted / Q000523:psychology; D017150:Public Sector; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012424:Rural Population; D012574:Schools / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012737:Sex Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014505:Urban Population; D055815:Young Adult