Abstract

ARRUA ARMOA, Ada Mabel; BOGADO MERCADO, José Eduardo  and  SAUCHUK DEJNEGA, María Elena. Knowledge, attitudes and actions of male students at university level regarding sexual activity and family planning. Rev. Nac. (Itauguá) [online]. 2012, vol.4, n.2, pp.30-34. ISSN 2072-8174.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Reproductive health is the condition of complete physical, mental and social welfare in the aspects related to sexuality. Family planning is an essential component of reproductive health, and inasmuch as both members of a couple are involved in decision-making, there is a higher likelihood that these decisions are put into practice. There is no data in the south of the country about this theme. Objective: To determine knowledge and attitudes of male regarding their sexual activity and reproductive health. Method: A retrospective cross-sectional, observational study, conducted in male adults attending the Itapúa National University during April 2012. The data was obtained through an anonymous survey. Results: The total number of polled was 377, whose average age was 21 ± 3 years, 83% were single, 7% had children, 30% of those who were parents indicated that pregnancy was caused by a failure of the method of contraception. In regard to family planning, only 51.7% said they knew what it was, 16% considered condom as the most effective method, while 62.3% did not know what to respond. However, 73% knew about the morning after pill and 23% used it with their partner on some occasion. The age of first intercourse was 15 ± 2 years of which 53.8% used a contraceptive method. The first sexual intercourse was reported to be with their girlfriend in 41% of the polled. 67% said they had a sexual partner at the time of the survey. 2% of the polled reported having had at least one homosexual relationship, and 43% reported having been sexually unfaithful at some time. The preferred method of contraception was condom in 72% of the cases. Conclusion: Our population does not know the concept of family planning. Among the methods of contraception, only condoms was mentioned; but it is noteworthy that despite the lack of knowledge, a high number of people used the morning-after pill and more than half of the polled failed to mention what method seemed the most effective.

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