Introduction:

In our region, communication regarding sex education and family planning is generally poor, and adolescents who have sex without adequate knowledge about family planning methods are exposed to undesirable consequences.

Objective:

To characterize the use of family planning methods in sexually active adolescents who consulted in the Obstetrics-Gynecology Service “Hospital Central Instituto de Previsión Social”. Paraguay, from 2012 to 2015.

Methodology:

This was an observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study through a review of medical records.

Results:

We evaluated the records of 100 sexually active adolescents aged 11 to 17 years. 88% came from urban areas and 96% were at the high school education level. Menarche occurred on average at age 12 and the age of first intercourse was 14.7 years. The mean time between menarche and the age of onset of sexual intercourse was 2.7 years. Ninety-six percent reported not having suffered intra-family violence. 66% reported having information about family planning prior to initiating sexual activity and 34% reported having no information. 34% did not use any contraceptive methods. 43% reported using condoms. 24% reported using oral contraceptives. Condom use was reportedly higher when subjects were in the mid-adolescence age range and when sexual activity first began during this time period. Adolescents who received family planning information prior to onset of sexual activity used oral contraceptives more frequently.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )