Adolescentes urbanos: Conocimientos sobre la atención de salud sexual y reproductive

Abstract

objective: to identify the knowledge about sexual and reproductive health (sRh) care among adolescent participants of the public health care system. subjects and Methods: Stratified sample of 368 adolescents from low-income and high teenager's pregnancy rate communities in santiago, chile. a self-administered, anonymous and confidential survey asked about knowledge, use of services and friendly care characteristics. results: 52.9% of respondents knew of sRh care and from these, 22.1% had used it. predictors for service use were: being female, been dating a boyfriend/girlfriend, having received sex education at home and not living with parents. Most participants positively evaluated the sRh service. Reasons for not seeking shR care were: no need it, embarrassment to consult and lack of information on this type of care availability. conclusions: Low percentage of school adolescents demand sRh attention. the care provided in the public system is well evaluated. teens who demand professional attention to solve shR needs are: women, who are in a relationship and those who have received sex education at home. Furthermore, no need for care, embarrasment and lack of information are factors that affect the consultation.