Publications (2)1.78 Total impact
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Article: [Factors associated with access to health services prior to pregnancy by pregnant adolescents].
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ABSTRACT: To assess determinants of access to primary care services prior to pregnancy by pregnant adolescents. Theory-based cross-sectional study conducted to examine access to heath services at five dimensions: geographic, economic, administrative, psychosocial and information. There were included in the study 200 first-time pregnant adolescents (aged 10 to 19 years) who attended a primary care unit in the municipality of Indaiatuba, Southeastern Brazil, in 2003. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire applied in face-to-face interviews conducted just before their first pre-natal care visit. Data analyses were performed through Person's chi-square or Fisher's exact test, and by a multivariate logistic regression model including all five dimensions of access. More than half (63.7%) of the adolescents utilized some gynecological care service. Information (43.8%) or psychosocial feelings of embarrassment or fear (37.0%) barriers were the most frequent reasons given for not having sought care before. The main barrier to health service access was related to the psychosocial dimension, reported by 77.0% of the adolescents studied. Among all barriers to health service access, the most important were those related to the psychosocial dimension. There is a need for new strategies to facilitate access to health services by adolescents, including actions to reduce gender-based barriers taking into consideration sociodemographic characteristics of this population and the relationship they have with their partners.Revista de saude publica 11/2008; 42(5):886-94. · 1.01 Impact Factor -
Article: [Knowledge of pregnant adolescents about reproductive anatomy and physiology in a municipality of Southern Brazil].
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ABSTRACT: 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. 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". 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. 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.Revista da Associação Médica Brasileira 54(1):29-35. · 0.77 Impact Factor
