Abstract

OLIVEIRA, Nália de Paula; BERIA, Jorge Umberto  and  SCHERMANN, Lígia Braun. Adolescent sexuality: a school-based study in the city of Manaus/AM, Brazil. Aletheia [online]. 2014, n.43-44, pp.129-146. ISSN 1413-0394.

Cross-sectional study performed with students from state schools in the city of Manaus/AM. A sample of 1747 teenagers from 12 to 19 years-old answered an anonymous self-administered questionnaire about sexuality. About 53.6% of teenagers have already had sexual relation and the percentage is higher for boys (68.0%) than for girls (43.6%). The average age of their first sexual relation was higher among girls (14.6 years) than boys (13.1 years). Condom was used at first sexual relation by 65.8% of teenagers. Boys (80.3%), more than girls (73.8%), believe they have an excellent knowledge of sexuality. The primary sources of information about sex/pregnancy are: family and teachers/school. Teenagers are awared about sex education programs offered by schools (66.5%) and government actions (33.7%). Pregnancy cases were reported by 12.8% of the sample and sexual abuse by 9.0%. This study shows that sexual initiation in adolescent students of Manaus is precocious. Family and schools play an important role in sexual orientation among teenagers, requiring specific guidance.

Keywords : Adolescence; Sexuality; School-base study.

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