Adolescents' knowledge and perceptions of the family planning service in Chile.
The objective of this study is to analyze adolescents' knowledge and perceptions of Chile's Family Planning Program. A cross-sectional study using both quantitative (semi-structured surveys) and qualitative (focus group technique and individual surveys) research methods was conducted with a sample of 277 adolescents aged 15-19 years who were users of the Hospital de El Carmen, in the year 2010. The study results showed that 12% of the participants had initiated sexual activity (of this group, 42% of males and 22% of females had done so before the age of 15). Although all participants recognized that both partners should take responsibility, women consulted the program more frequently than men (13.5% of males and 40% of females had consulted the program). Women also acknowledged receiving more information on birth control methods before initiating sexual activity than their male peers. Adolescents of both sexes continue to have misconceptions about birth control. Therefore, it is necessary to enhance activities aimed at heightening awareness of the program among adolescents.
Master in Reproductive Health. Chief race. Departamento de Obstetricia y Puericultura, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, VIII Región, Chile. jaimeparra@udec.cl
Jaime
J
Parra Villarroel
Graduate in Obstetrics and Childcare. Midwife of the Women's Program, Centro de Salud San Ignacio, VIII Región, Chile.
Jerónimo
J
Domínguez Placencia
Graduate in Obstetrics and Childcare. Matrón del Hospital de Lirquén, VIII Región, Chile
José
J
Maturana Rosales
Master in Education. Associate Professor, Departamento de Obstetricia y Puericultura, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, VIII Región, Chile.
Ruth
R
Pérez Villegas
Doctor in Public Health. Academic collaborator, Departamento de Obstetricia y Puericultura, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, VIII Región, Chile. Research Group Member de Salud Pública, Universidad de Alicante, España.
Mercedes
M
Carrasco Portiño
D000293:Adolescent; D002677:Chile; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005193:Family Planning Services; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D055815:Young Adult
Adolescent; Adolescent Behavior; Family Planning (Public Health); Sexuality; Chile