Search

Objective. To analyze the evolution of the sexual and reproductive health indicators of the National Strategy for the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy (Enapea, in Spanish) in 2018-19 and 2021-23, and to contrast progress against 2030 targets. Materials and methods. We used the National Health and Nutrition Surveys (Ensanut, in Spanish) 2018-19 (n=14 117) and Ensanut Continua 2021-23 (n=7 505) to estimate the eleven Enapea indicators. Using the difference in proportions test, we analyzed these indicators' progress, regression, or stagnation between 2018-19 and 2021-23. Results. Of the eleven indicators examined, three related to pregnancy and condom knowledge improved, and two related to consistent use of modern contraception and use in the last intercourse worsened. Conclusions. Given that Covid-19 may have slowed the progress of Enapea, it is essential to continue strengthening comprehensive sexuality education; training and sensitizing health personnel; and increasing the coverage and provision of adolescent-friendly services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To analyze factors associated with early sexual initiation (ESI) in men and women aged 15 to 19 years. Materials and methods. Using information from adolescents aged 15 to 19 from the 2022 National Health and Nutrition Survey, we examined ESI (<15 years). Using an ecological approach, we adjusted multivariate probit models by sex to explore sociodemographic, psychosocial, and sexual behavior factors associated with ESI. Results. Women residing in the Pacific-Central and Pacific-South regions, as well as those with a partner five or more years older, and men of middle SES are more likely of ESI than their counterparts in the Pacific-North region, with an age-gap partnership lower than five years and low SES, respectively. Conclusion. Since ESI in adolescents is determined by the sociodemographic context and gender inequalities, for healthy sexuality it is necessary to guarantee comprehensive sexuality education and quality health services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To analyze the use of preventive services for sexual and reproductive health (PSSRH) in adult women and men before and during the Covid-19 pandemic and associated sociodemographic characteristics. Materials and methods. Using the 2018-19, 2021 and 2022 National Health and Nutrition Surveys, we analyzed information on performed Papanicolaou and HPV tests, clinical breast examination, mammography, prostate antigen and digital rectal examination. We adjust multivariate logistic models stratified by sex to explore the association between use of the PSSRH and selected variables. Results. Since before the pandemic, low prevalence of diagnostic procedures has been observed, particularly in men, a situation that worsened during the health emergency. People with the most advantaged characteristics presents greater likelihood of using these services. Likewise, we observed gender inequalities in some characteristics. Conclusion. The pandemic highlighted the need to improve and strengthen the PSSRH to achieve greater efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To characterize the state of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) in the adolescent (10-19) and adult (20-49) population. Materials and methods. Using the Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición 2022, we estimated prevalence and 95% confidence intervals for SRH indicators. Results. Regarding adolescents, 73.2% have heard of contraceptives, 88.1% know that the condom is used only once and 60.4% that it prevents pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Also, 22.8% have initiated sexual life and 73.2% used a condom in the first intercourse. Regarding adult population, 42.7 and 38.0% did not use contraception in the first and last sexual relationship and 53.4 and 40.7% used a condom in the first and last sexual relationship. We found differences in maternal health care between adolescents and adults. Conclusion. Having updated information on SRH allows us to focus attention on people's needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Characterize the use of condoms in the first and last sexual intercourse in different birth cohorts, to observe possible differences among generations. Materials and methods. Using the National Survey of Boys, Girls and Women, 2015, representative at the national level, we adjust Poisson regression models to find associations between variables of interest and the use of condoms in first and last intercourse. Results.Women from younger cohorts, with higher education and wealth are more likely to use a condom in their first and last sexual intercourse; speaking an indigenous language is associated with a lower likelihood of condom use at both events. Using condom in sexual debut increases the likelihood of using in last intercourse. Conclu­sions.There is a generational change in condom use at first and last sex among younger cohorts. The use of the condom in sexual debut favors its later use.

Objective. Characterize the use of condoms in the first and last sexual intercourse in different birth cohorts, to observe possible differences among generations. Materials and methods. Using the National Survey of Boys, Girls and Women, 2015, representative at the national level, we adjust Poisson regression models to find associations between variables of interest and the use of condoms in first and last intercourse. Results. Women from younger cohorts, with higher education and wealth are more likely to use a condom in their first and last sexual intercourse; speaking an indigenous language is associated with a lower likelihood of condom use at both events. Using condom in sexual debut increases the likelihood of using in last intercourse. Conclusions. There is a generational change in condom use at first and last sex among younger cohorts. The use of the condom in sexual debut favors its later use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJETIVOS: Analizar algunos factores como la construcción de las ideas y representaciones de género, asociados a las condiciones materiales de vida y los proyectos de vida de las adolescentes, relacionados con la conducta sexual y reproductiva. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: La investigación fue desarrollada en Asunción, Paraguay, en 2000. Se utilizaron técnicas cualitativas de recogida de datos (entrevistas en profundidad) y de análisis interpretativo. Fueron entrevistadas 40 jóvenes de entre 15 y 20 años, agrupadas en "escolarizadas" y "no escolarizadas". RESULTADOS: Existen construcciones de género que son denominadas en este estudio como "modernas" y "tradicionales", que enmarcan las percepciones acerca de los roles de género de las mujeres y las posiciones frente a los varones, además de las relaciones de pareja y al ejercicio del poder en el marco de ellas. En este ámbito se inscriben también las ideas y representaciones acerca de la maternidad. CONCLUSIONES: Los distintos "tipos" imágenes de género asociados a los proyectos de vida de las adolescentes condicionan ciertas percepciones acerca de los roles de género y al mismo tiempo la conducta reproductiva.OBJECTIVE: To analyze some of the factors associated with material living conditions of adolescents and their means for earning a living, such as idea construction and gender representations, related to sexual and reproductive conduct. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The investigation was conducted in Asuncion, Paraguay, in 2000. Qualitative data collection techniques (in-depth interviews) and interpretive analysis were used. A total of 40 interviews were conducted of young people between the ages of 15 and 20, grouped as "schooled" and "not schooled." RESULTS: Gender constructions exist, denominated in this study as "modern" and "traditional," that classify perceptions about gender roles for women and their position in relation to males, as well as for partner relationships and the exercise of power in such contexts. Ideas and representations about maternity are also defined. CONCLUSIONS: The distinct gender image "types" associated with the adolescents’ means for earning a living simultaneously condition certain perceptions about gender roles and reproductive conduct.

This original article addresses the sexual and reproductive health needs of young people aged 15 to 24 in Latin America. It introduces five articles from original research projects in three countries: Argentina, Brazil, and Peru. These projects were funded by the World Health Organization. This article explains the importance of studies that address the sexual and reproductive health of young people in developing countries. It provides an overview of sexual and reproductive health issues in Latin America and a discussion these issues in the three study countries. The five articles deal with difficult and challenging issues, including: knowledge of STIs and HIV/AIDS; pregnancy related practices; quality of care; the role of young men in couple formation, pregnancy and adoption of contraceptive practice; and, the role of obstetricians and gynecologists in public policy debate about family planning and abortion. The four articles in this special section help to improve our understanding of the factors that contribute to risky sexual behavior and negative reproductive health outcomes among youth in Latin America. The findings are useful to help inform and improve health care interventions in various contexts.Este artículo original trata de las necesidades de salud sexual y reproductiva de jóvenes entre 15 y 24 años de edad en América Latina. Se presentan cuatro artículos derivados de investigaciones originales en tres países: Argentina, Brasil y Perú. Estos proyectos fueron patrocinados por la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Este artículo elucida la importancia de los estudios que tratan de la salud sexual y reproductiva de jóvenes en países en desarollo. Se ilustra el panorama general en cuestiones de salud sexual y reproductiva en América Latina y una discusión de estas cuestiones en los tres países de donde provienen los estudios. Los cinco artículos discuten cuestiones difíciles y controversiales, como los conocimientos sobre ITS y VIH/SIDA; las prácticas asociadas con el parto; la calidad de cuidados; el papel de los hombres jóvenes en la formación de parejas, el embarazo y el uso de métodos anticonceptivos; así como el papel de los tocólogos y ginecólogos en el debate público sobre planificación familiar y aborto. Los cuatro artículos en esta sección especial promueven un mejor entendimiento de los factores que contribuyen a las conductas sexuales de riesgo y a los resultados negativos en salud reproductiva entre los jóvenes en América Latina. Las conclusiones son útiles para informar y mejorar intervenciones de servicios de salud en contextos varios.

OBJETIVOS: Describir y comprender los significados que tiene la sexualidad en los adolescentes , y cómo se construyen e influyen en sus prácticas sexuales y salud reproductiva. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: La investigación se llevó a cabo en tres zonas de la ciudad de Bogotá. Se seleccionaron 20 grupos focales y se tomaron 20 relatos de vida de adolescentes mujeres y varones entre 10 y 14 años. Mediante la categorización deductiva e inductiva de las transcripciones de los discursos verbales, se procedió a un análisis de tipo interpretativo para generar conceptos y relaciones que configuran hipótesis plausibles sobre las significaciones que circulan en el universo simbólico adolescente. RESULTADOS: Existen diferencias en los significados que tienen los varones y las mujeres sobre la sexualidad, la forma en que los construyen y los agentes que contribuyen a su conformación. Estos hallazgos suponen articulaciones distintas en relación con los riesgos en salud sexual y reproductiva CONCLUSIONES: La construcción cultural que se hace de la diferencia sexual -el género- marca los significados que se dan a la sexualidad en los grupos estudiados y establece formas de interactuar con su entorno social. Las mujeres relacionan la sexualidad con el ejercicio reproductivo y la viven como una experiencia negativa. Para los varones existe la posibilidad positiva y placentera de la sexualidad, enmarcada en un contexto que los impulsa a tener relaciones sexuales como forma de sustentar su masculinidad.OBJECTIVE: To describe and understand the meanings that adolescents give to sexuality and how they are created and influence adolescents' reproductive health and sexual practices. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research was conducted in three different regions within Bogotá city. Twenty focus groups were selected and 20 life stories of boys and girls between 10 and 14 years old were transcribed. From inductive and deductive categorization of the transcripts of the oral histories, an interpretative analysis was carried out in order to generate concepts and relations that comprise plausible hypotheses about the meanings that circulate in the adolescents' symbolic universe. RESULTS: There are notable differences between the meanings that boys and girls give to sexuality, the ways in which such meanings are created, and the factors that contribute to its configuration. These findings imply dissimilar constructions related with reproductive and sexual health risks. CONCLUSIONS: The cultural constructions resulting from sexual differences that is, gender suggest the meanings that are given to sexuality in the groups studied and define ways of interacting with the social environment. Girls relate sexuality with reproduction and they experience it as negative. For boys, the possibility of a positive and pleasant experience of sexuality exists, marked by a context that encourages having sexual relations as a way of maintaining manhood.

Objective. To describe condom use among Mexican women living with HIV and analyze factors that facilitate or impede its utilization. Materials and methods. Qualitative analysis of 55 interviews with women of reproductive age living with HIV. Results. Inconsistent condom use and non-use at last sexual intercourse was common, and not clearly related to the male partners' HIV-status. Factors that influenced condom use included perceptions of health benefits, symbolic meaning assigned to the condom within the relationship, and the transformation or persistence of inequitable gender norms. Conclusions. Gender norms and male partners' attitudes strongly influence condom use among women living with HIV. To increase consistent condom use the health system must implement counseling and service delivery with a gender perspective and innovative actions to involve male partners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This original article addresses the sexual and reproductive health needs of young people aged 15 to 24 in Latin America. It introduces five articles from original research projects in three countries: Argentina, Brazil, and Peru. These projects were funded by the World Health Organization. This article explains the importance of studies that address the sexual and reproductive health of young people in developing countries. It provides an overview of sexual and reproductive health issues in Latin America and a discussion these issues in the three study countries. The five articles deal with difficult and challenging issues, including: knowledge of STIs and HIV/AIDS; pregnancy related practices; quality of care; the role of young men in couple formation, pregnancy and adoption of contraceptive practice; and, the role of obstetricians and gynecologists in public policy debate about family planning and abortion. The four articles in this special section help to improve our understanding of the factors that contribute to risky sexual behavior and negative reproductive health outcomes among youth in Latin America. The findings are useful to help inform and improve health care interventions in various contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To analyze some of the factors associated with material living conditions of adolescents and their means for earning a living, such as idea construction and gender representations, related to sexual and reproductive conduct. Material and Methods. The investigation was conducted in Asuncion, Paraguay, in 2000. Qualitative data collection techniques (in-depth interviews) and interpretive analysis were used. A total of 40 interviews were conducted of young people between the ages of 15 and 20, grouped as "schooled" and "not schooled." Results. Gender constructions exist, denominated in this study as "modern" and "traditional," that classify perceptions about gender roles for women and their position in relation to males, as well as for partner relationships and the exercise of power in such contexts. Ideas and representations about maternity are also defined. Conclusions. The distinct gender image "types" associated with the adolescents' means for earning a living simultaneously condition certain perceptions about gender roles and reproductive conduct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJETIVO: Comprender cómo la construcción social y la expresión de la masculinidad entre los adolescentes y varones jóvenes se articulan con los riesgos para la salud sexual y reproductiva. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: El estudio se realizó en una zona "marginal" y otra "popular" de la Ciudad de México. Se llevaron a cabo 18 grupos focales y 18 entrevistas individuales a una muestra propositiva de varones de tres grupos de edad: 10 a 14, 15 a 19 y 20 a 24. El análisis de la información se hizo de forma inductiva, mediante una codificación abierta de las transcripciones verbales, a partir de la cual se generaron conceptos más abstractos y se buscaron las relaciones entre ellos. RESULTADOS: Este trabajo se enfoca en las maneras de entender la masculinidad, tal y como fueron expresadas por los jóvenes. Nuestra investigación arroja alguna luz sobre lo que los adolescentes dicen y hacen para "ser hombres". Sus ideas y prácticas llevan a varias formas de masculinidad mediante las cuales se reconstruyen comportamientos arriesgados, estilos de hablar y de vestir, formas de cortejo y de noviazgo específicas. Estos y sus significados son articulados con los riesgos en el campo de la salud sexual y reproductiva de los jóvenes y de sus parejas. CONCLUSIONES: El modelo tradicional de masculinidad que predomina en ambos sectores sociales tiene como resultado, por una parte, que haya poca comunicación sobre la sexualidad en las relaciones de pareja y que, consecuentemente, la utilización de medidas de protección se dé en muy raras ocasiones, exponiendo a los jóvenes a ITS y al riesgo de transformarse en padres sin ser aún adultos. Por otra parte, las condiciones económicas en que viven dificultan que lleven a la práctica elementos centrales de su propio concepto de masculinidad, como el ser trabajador, proveedor, responsable, lo que pudiera traducirse en frustración, agresividad y en violencia intrafamiliar.OBJECTIVE: To understand how the social construction and expression of masculinity among male adolescents and young adults are related to sexual health and reproductive risks. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was carried out in an underserved and a popular area of Mexico City. Eighteen focal groups and 18 individual interviews were applied to a sample of males from three age groups: 10 to 14, 15 to 19, and 20 to 24 years. Data analysis was performed inductively through open codification of the verbal transcriptions. These were used to create more abstract concepts and search for relationships among them. RESULTS: This paper centers on interpretations of masculinity as expressed by the youngsters themselves. Our research sheds light on what youngsters do and say to "be men". Their ideas and practices produce different forms of masculinity through which risk behavior is manifested, as well as specific speech and dressing styles, and ways of courting and "going steady". These behaviors and their meanings are associated with sexual and reproductive health risk taking. CONCLUSIONS: The traditional model of masculinity characteristic of both social settings involves poor communication about sexuality in couple relationships, which results in infrequent protection and exposure to Sexually Transmitted Infections and unwanted pregnancies. On the other hand, their economic living conditions prevent them from fully practicing central elements of their own concept of masculinity, such as being a hard worker, a provider, and a responsible person. These unmet needs may cause frustration, aggression, and domestic violence.

OBJETIVO: Comprender cómo la construcción social y la expresión de la masculinidad entre los adolescentes y varones jóvenes se articulan con los riesgos para la salud sexual y reproductiva. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: El estudio se realizó en una zona "marginal" y otra "popular" de la Ciudad de México. Se llevaron a cabo 18 grupos focales y 18 entrevistas individuales a una muestra propositiva de varones de tres grupos de edad: 10 a 14, 15 a 19 y 20 a 24. El análisis de la información se hizo de forma inductiva, mediante una codificación abierta de las transcripciones verbales, a partir de la cual se generaron conceptos más abstractos y se buscaron las relaciones entre ellos. RESULTADOS: Este trabajo se enfoca en las maneras de entender la masculinidad, tal y como fueron expresadas por los jóvenes. Nuestra investigación arroja alguna luz sobre lo que los adolescentes dicen y hacen para "ser hombres". Sus ideas y prácticas llevan a varias formas de masculinidad mediante las cuales se reconstruyen comportamientos arriesgados, estilos de hablar y de vestir, formas de cortejo y de noviazgo específicas. Estos y sus significados son articulados con los riesgos en el campo de la salud sexual y reproductiva de los jóvenes y de sus parejas. CONCLUSIONES: El modelo tradicional de masculinidad que predomina en ambos sectores sociales tiene como resultado, por una parte, que haya poca comunicación sobre la sexualidad en las relaciones de pareja y que, consecuentemente, la utilización de medidas de protección se dé en muy raras ocasiones, exponiendo a los jóvenes a ITS y al riesgo de transformarse en padres sin ser aún adultos. Por otra parte, las condiciones económicas en que viven dificultan que lleven a la práctica elementos centrales de su propio concepto de masculinidad, como el ser trabajador, proveedor, responsable, lo que pudiera traducirse en frustración, agresividad y en violencia intrafamiliar.