Abstract

CORTES ALFARO, Alba et al. Sociodemographic and sexual and reproductive behavior characteristics in adolescents and young people. Rev Cubana Med Gen Integr [online]. 2007, vol.23, n.1. ISSN 0864-2125.

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to identify the sociodemographic and sexual and reproductive behavior characteristics of the adolescents and young people from “Marcio Manduley” health area, in Centro Habana municipality, from 2004 to 2005. The information was collected through an interview structured and made to this end that was applied by the family physician in the office and in his home visits. The sample was represented by 250 adolescents and young individuals aged 10-24. 162 were females and 88 males. It was proved that the highest percentage of the interviewed were students (46.8 %), followed by workers (24.4 %). Of the 34 adolescents that took part in the study, 37.5 had had sexual relations. The average age at the onset of intercourse was between 10 and 14 years old in all the surveyed (34.5 %), with 78.3 % of satisfaction. Condom was the most used contraceptive method for both sexes (69.4 %). Only 0.7 % at the age 10-14 used some contraceptive method. The history of gonorrhea was referred by 44.7 % of the interviewed, whereas the abortions and menstrual regulations were reported by 26.1 and 29 %, respectively.

Keywords : Reproductive sexual health; sexual behavior; age at the onset of sexual relations; contraceptive methods.