Adolescents' knowledge and perceptions of the family planning service in Chile

https://doi.org/10.18294/sc.2013.193

Published 6 December 2013 Open Access


Magíster en Salud Reproductiva. Jefe de Carrera. Departamento de Obstetricia y Puericultura, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, VIII Región, Chile , Licenciado en Obstetricia y Puericultura. Matrón del Programa de la Mujer, Centro de Salud San Ignacio, VIII Región, Chile. , Licenciado en Obstetricia y Puericultura. Matrón del Hospital de Lirquén, VIII Región, Chile , Magíster en Educación. Profesora asociada, Departamento de Obstetricia y Puericultura, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, VIII Región, Chile , Doctora en Salud Pública. Colaboradora académica, Departamento de Obstetricia y Puericultura, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, VIII Región, Chile. Miembro del Grupo de Investigación de Salud Pública, Universidad de Alicante, España.



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Keywords:

Adolescent, Adolescent Behavior, Family Planning (Public Health), Sexuality, Chile

Abstract


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.