Nivel de conocimiento sobre métodos anticonceptivos y Salud Reproductiva en adolescentes mexicanos de medio rural

Abstract

Introduction: information on contraception is important before sexual life begins. Objective: to determine the level of knowledge and use of contraceptive methods by adolescents in rural areas. Methods: analytical cross-sectional study, surveyed adolescents aged 15-19 years of both sexes, who attended a rural health center, 70% without sexual life and 30% who had already started their sexual life. A self-administered questionnaire was used that included sociodemographic, socio-educational and use of contraceptive variables. Results: the level of knowledge was medium in 38% and low in 31%. The condom was the most widely used contraceptive method (88%) and the most widely known. 48,7%, 30%, and 29,7% of adolescents aged 15, 16, and 17, respectively, have low knowledge. Knowledge increases with age; it is "medium and high" in 48,7% and in 86,6% at 15 and 19 years, respectively. It is observed that the greater the knowledge, the more frequent use of contraceptive methods. Conclusions: more information is needed on the proper use of contraceptive methods at school and in the family at the rural level before the start of sexual life, to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies.