Adolescence and sexual life: analysis of the sexual initiation among adolescents from the east area of the city of São Paulo / "Adolescência e vida sexual: análise do início da vida sexual de adolescentes residentes na zona leste do município de São Paulo"

AUTOR(ES)
DATA DE PUBLICAÇÃO

2005

RESUMO

Women and men initiate their sexual life in different ways mainly during adolescence. Sexual practices in youth have been described as dynamic and in constant transformation, though its profile should be considered as having an impact in reproductive health. This study aimed to analyse associated factors to the onset of sexual life and to describe the first sexual relationship. Therefore, 383 fifteen to nineteen year-old single males and females enrolled in a family health unit from the east area of the city of São Paulo were interviewed at home. From multiple logistic regression analysis, data showed that associated variables to the onset of sexual life in males were age, schooling insertion, maternal age at first delivery, maternal acceptance that adolescents engage in sexual practices, paternal opinion that son should have the first intercourse independently from a marriage, previous and current dating. On the other hand, associated variables among females were age, house affording, previous and current dating and the presence of a single sibling who had already faced a pregnancy. Among the 164 adolescents who had sexual experience, a convergence in the age males and females initiated their sexual life (median at 15) was observed. Even though the first intercourse occurred at the same age and without planning, important aspects of the sexual behaviour differed between males and females and ought to be taken into consideration in their reproductive and sexual health promotion. Girls said they had the first intercourse because they were in love and it thus occurred majority with a boyfriend. Boys had their first intercourse mainly in occasional relationships and because of physical attraction. Contraceptive practice was observed in 58,5% of the boys and 68,3% of the girls. The results indicated that gender differences were present at the whole sexual initiation process and that individual factors, such as dating and age, and familial factors, such as parents attitudes towards sexuality, were determinants for the sexual initiation of these adolescents.

ASSUNTO(S)

anticoncepção contraception saúde sexual saúde reprodutiva saúde do adolescente sexual health adolescent health reproductive health

ACESSO AO ARTIGO

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