The use of contraceptives and their nutritional impact on medical students

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the impact of contraceptives on medical students at the Federal University of Paraná and verify adherence, consequences, and lifestyle effects of the contraceptive method used. METHODS: This is an observational, cross-sectional study in which 214 participants answered an online questionnaire composed of 30 questions. For statistical analysis, the Stata® 16.0 software was used, and the mean and standard deviation were estimated to characterize continuous variables with a normal distribution and percentages for categorical variables. For group-to-group comparisons, a one-way ANOVA was used for normal continuous variables and Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables. RESULTS: Almost 10% (9.3%) of women used condoms only, and double protection (condom+oral contraceptives) corresponds to 23.4%. Of the 214 participants, 38 reported making exclusive use of long-acting reversible contraception, and 13.6% of the interviewees used oral contraceptives exclusively. More than 88% of the interviewees believe that the medical course provided adequate education on contraception. Regarding lifestyle habits, 71.5% of the students reported alcohol intake, tobacco use, and/or other drug use. CONCLUSION: There was a great diversity of combinations between contraceptive methods used by the medical student at Federal University of Paraná, the most prevalent being the oral contraceptive associated with male condoms. There was a greater association in the use of long-acting reversible contraception in married students. Although 88.3% of the participants believed that they had a good education about contraception at university, only half of them use condoms in sexual relationships. The rate of adherence to alcohol and tobacco among students is considerable, and such practices can negatively affect a nutritional profile, a healthy lifestyle, and safe sexual practices. Brazilian medical schools are fundamental for the advancement of medical education in contraception and for the creation of public policies on family planning.