Reproductive and sexual health among teenagers from public and private schools of Fortaleza-CE, Brazil

Abstract

This study aims to identify the socio-economic and the gynecologic-obstetric profile of teenagers from public and private schools of Fortaleza. It also aims to detect the use of condom and the reasons whether to use it or not, to verify the importance of early pregnancy prevention and to verify the knowledge about STD/HIV. The sample was composed by 347 teenagers from public schools and by 209 teens from private schools of Fortaleza-CE. Data were collected using a questionnaire, and were organized in the SPSS 13.0 program. Chi-squared (χ2) test and Odds Ratio (OR) measure were used to perform statistical analysis. There was no statistical association between being a teenager from either a public or a private school and having an active sexual life, having children, early sexual beginning and multiplicity of partners, although the last two items were more frequent in public schools. Use of condom in the first sexual relation was more frequently referred by teenagers from private schools, who also knew better how to use it. On the other hand, teenagers from public schools reported a more continuous use. Teachers from public schools give less advice than those from private ones. The reasons to use a condom or not were similar in both groups. We conclude that particularities in reproductive and sexual health in these groups should be carefully followed.