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Objective. To determine the prevalence of sexual initiation and the contraceptive practices of adolescents in the tri-border area between the cities of Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil), Ciudad del Este (Paraguay), and Puerto Iguazú (Argentina). Method. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 2 788 adolescents from public schools (age 12 to 18 years). Information was obtained through questionnaires administered in the schools between 2012 and 2013. The prevalence of sexual initiation, contraceptive practices, and sociodemographic variables was analyzed. To verify the association between the studied variables, the chi-square test was used with a significance level of 5%. Results. The overall prevalence of sexual initiation among adolescents was 34.6% (Puerto Iguazú: 45.3%; Foz do Iguaçu: 35.2%; Ciudad del Este: 23.3%). The prevalence of sexual initiation was higher in males and in the 15-16 year age range. Sexual initiation was associated with sex, age, schooling, and school shift (morning, afternoon, or evening). Having received information on contraceptives was associated with sex, age, schooling, and contraceptive use in all three cities/countries. Adolescents of both sexes had received information about contraceptives, especially from the family and the school. Conclusions. It is suggested that municipalities/countries seek to structure a tri-national border policy with intersectoral programs and projects in order to promote educational practices regarding sexual and reproductive health for adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Low frequency of effective contraceptive use remains a challenging problem. This article examines the frequency of effective postpartum contraception and the methods used before discharge in public hospitals in Guatemala. It also discusses the need to implement best practices in providing family-planning and contraceptive services. Methods. In March 2006, a surveillance system was implemented to collect data on the initiation of effective contraceptive methods. Postpartum women were monitored in 34 public hospitals. Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed, and a chi-square test for linear trends was used to compare female surgical sterilization rates after vaginal delivery and cesarean section. Results. Between 1 March 2006 and 31 December 2008, of the 218 656 women who had a postpartum event, 31% received an effective contraceptive method before hospital discharge. The frequency of initiation of effective postpartum methods varied across hospitals. Hospital results were consistent with national data on women of reproductive age. Among women who underwent surgical sterilization, differences between those who had delivered vaginally and those who had a cesarean section were statistically significant. Conclusions. The overall frequency of initiation of effective postpartum contraceptive use is low in public hospitals in Guatemala. It is higher, however, in hospitals at lower health care levels with strong community ties. Routine data collection revealed specific areas for improvement, particularly the need to enhance health providers' knowledge of medical eligibility criteria for effective contraceptive use postpartum. The priority is to promote the provision of high-quality family-planning and contraceptive services in Guatemala's public health system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To determine what contribution the Standard Days Method® (SDM) makes to the contraceptive mix offered by regular health services in areas of Peru where contraceptive prevalence rates (CPR) are already high. Methods. SDM was added to the family planning methods offered by the Ministry of Health in two provinces in Peru in September 2002. Retrospective interviews were conducted in March-June 2004 with 1 200 women who had chosen SDM as their contraceptive method and had used it for 2-20 months. Data were also obtained from the databases of the participating health services. The evaluation covered SDM demand, whether or not clients were switching to SDM from other modern methods, and SDM continuation and effectiveness. Results. Demand for SDM stabilized at 6% of all new family planning users. Most users had not been using any reliable contraception at the time they started using SDM. About 89% of those who began using SDM at least 6 months before the interview were still using it at 6 months. The 12-month typical use pregnancy rate was estimated to be around 10.0 per 100 women years. Conclusions. Adding SDM to a program's existing contraceptive method mix can increase coverage even in an already high-CPR setting. Most women who choose SDM do not switch from any other modern family planning method. Continuation compares well with other modern user-directed methods. SDM effectiveness, when offered in regular service delivery circumstances, compares well to efficacy trial findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]