Contraception for Adolescents: Knowledge and Practices in Portugal

Authors

  • Patrícia Miranda Serviço de Pediatria. Hospital de Santo André. Centro Hospitalar de Leiria. Leiria.
  • Pascoal Moleiro Serviço de Pediatria. Hospital de Santo André. Centro Hospitalar de Leiria. Leiria.
  • Pedro Gaspar Center for Innovative Care and Health Technology. Instituto Politécnico de Leiria. Leiria.
  • Alexandra Luz Serviço de Pediatria. Hospital de Santo André. Centro Hospitalar de Leiria. Leiria.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20344/amp.11088

Keywords:

Adolescent, Contraception, Contraceptive Agents, Counseling, Portugal

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescents are a target group for reproductive health intervention. Family physicians, gynecologists and pediatricians are the main providers of contraceptive counseling.
Material and Methods: Correlational, cross-sectional study, approved by the ethics committee of Leiria Hospital, Portugal. Data was collected through a validated online questionnaire (Cronbach’s alpha and Exploratory Factorial Analysis) using a semantic differential scale (1 — Totally Agree; 5 — Totally Disagree). Higher scores were indicative of greater knowledge or suitability concerning the matter in question. Results were compared by gender, specialty, years of career and rank: consultant or resident.
Results: We received 338 responses (51% family physicians, 29% pediatricians, 20% gynecologists), 66% were specialists, 36% had been working for less than 5 years and 17% for more than 20 years. Awareness of national recommendations was higher in gynecologists [4.38 (1.09)] and in the female gender [3.65 (1.41)] with statistically significant differences. Gynecologists had more recent training [3.79 (1.42)] and considered themselves to be up-to-date [4.41 (0.70)], p < 0.001.
Discussion: The questionnaire showed reliability and validity. Gynecologists were more familiarized with adolescent contraception; pediatricians and young clinicians highlighted the need for an update on this matter. Gynecologists had more training and considered themselves up-to-date, so training in this area seems to have a positive impact.
Conclusion: Knowledge about contraceptive counseling is not yet sufficient, so it is very important to invest in the continuous medical education of clinicians.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Published

2019-08-01

How to Cite

1.
Miranda P, Moleiro P, Gaspar P, Luz A. Contraception for Adolescents: Knowledge and Practices in Portugal. Acta Med Port [Internet]. 2019 Aug. 1 [cited 2024 Nov. 5];32(7-8):505-13. Available from: https://actamedicaportuguesa.com/revista/index.php/amp/article/view/11088