Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Brazilian Physicians about Immediate Postpartum and Postabortion Intrauterine Device Insertion.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of Brazilian physicians about immediate postpartum and postabortion intrauterine device insertion. METHODS: Cross-sectional online survey involving physicians on duty in public Brazilian hospitals. Participants answered an anonymous questionnaire with close-ended questions to assess their knowledge, attitude, and experience on the immediate postpartum and postabortion insertion of copper intrauterine devices. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-seven physicians working in 23 hospitals in the 5 geographic regions of Brazil completed the questionnaire. Most were female (68.5%) and worked in teaching hospitals (95.3%). The mean (standard deviation) knowledge score (0-10 scale) was 5.3 (1.3); only 27.6% of the participants had overall scores ≥ 7.0. Most physicians (73.2%) would insert a postpartum intrauterine device in themselves/family members. About 42% of respondents stated that they had not received any training on postpartum or postabortion intrauterine device insertion. In the past 12 months, 19.7%, 22.8%, and 53.5% of respondents stated they had not inserted any intrauterine device during a cesarean section, immediately after a vaginal delivery, or after an abortion, respectively. CONCLUSION: Most study participants have a positive attitude toward the insertion of intrauterine devices in the immediate postpartum period, but they have limited knowledge about the use of this contraceptive method. A large percentage of respondents did not have previous training on postpartum and postabortion intrauterine device insertion and had not performed any such insertions in the last 12 months. Strategies are needed to improve the knowledge, training, and experience of Brazilian physicians on immediate postpartum and postabortion intrauterine device insertion.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o conhecimento, atitude e prática de médicos brasileiros sobre a inserção de dispositivos intrauterinos no pós-parto e pós-aborto imediatos. MéTODOS: Estudo transversal com inquérito online envolvendo médicos plantonistas de hospitais públicos brasileiros. Os participantes responderam a um questionário anônimo com perguntas fechadas para avaliar seu conhecimento, atitude e experiência sobre a inserção de dispositivos intrauterinos de cobre no pós-parto e pós-aborto imediatos. RESULTADOS: Cento e vinte sete médicos de 23 hospitais localizados nas 5 regiões do Brasil preencheram o questionário. A maioria era do sexo feminino (68,5%) e trabalhava em hospitais de ensino (95,3%). O escore médio (desvio padrão) de conhecimento (escala 0­10) foi 5,3 (1,3); apenas 27,6% tiveram escore ≥ 7,0. A maioria (73,2%) faria inserção de dispositivo intrauterino no pós-parto imediato em si mesma/familiares. Cerca de 42% dos participantes declararam não ter recebido nenhum treinamento sobre inserção de dispositivos intrauterinos no pós-parto ou pós-aborto imediatos. Nos últimos 12 meses, 19,7%, 22,8% e 53,5% declararam não ter inserido nenhum dispositivo intrauterino durante uma cesárea, após um parto vaginal ou um aborto, respectivamente. CONCLUSãO: A maioria dos participantes tem uma atitude positiva em relação à inserção de dispositivos intrauterinos no pós-parto imediato, porém tem um conhecimento limitado sobre esse método. Uma grande porcentagem dos respondentes não teve treinamento sobre inserção de dispositivos intrauterinos no pós-parto ou pós-aborto imediatos e não fez nenhuma inserção desse tipo nos últimos 12 meses. São necessárias estratégias para melhorar o conhecimento, o treinamento e a experiência dos médicos brasileiros sobre a inserção de dispositivos intrauterinos no pós-parto e pós-aborto imediatos.

Hormonal intrauterine device in women with renal transplantation: a prospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study is to evaluate the rate of continuity and satisfaction with hormonal intrauterine device in renal transplant recipients. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study. The sample consisted of patients treated at a Family Planning Outpatient Clinic, from August 2016 to September 2021. Information on each patient's age, parity, and associated diseases as well as satisfaction with the method were analyzed. Patients were invited to participate through electronic messages, and the questionnaire included questions about acceptance of the contraceptive method. RESULTS: A total of 40 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the renal transplant patients was 32.5 years. The mean duration of hormonal intrauterine device use was 37 months. Acceptance of the method was high, with 97.5% of patients remaining on the method for 1 year and 85% of patients using the hormonal intrauterine device at the time of the study. There were no pregnancies or renal transplant complications in the study. Regarding satisfaction with the method, the majority (77.5%) scored 10. CONCLUSION: Patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the hormonal intrauterine device. Therefore, the continuation rate was high. Furthermore, this contraceptive method proved to be safe and effective in kidney transplant recipients. No complications, graft rejection, or graft failure were observed after intrauterine hormonal device insertion and during follow-up.

Serum levels and gestational curve of adiponectin and leptin during adolescent pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop a curve of weekly serum levels of adiponectin and leptin among pregnant adolescents. In addition, pregestational body mass index and weight gain were assessed and correlated with the serum concentration of these molecules. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study, including only pregnant adolescents with eutrophic pre-gestational body mass index who were weekly followed during the evolution of gestation. The serum concentrations of adipokines were determined using commercial ELISA kits and were correlated to pre-gestational body mass index and pregnancy weight gain. A total of 157 pregnant women participated in this study. RESULTS: Adiponectin levels showed a significant decrease among the trimesters (p=0.0004). However, we did not observe significant differences among its levels when compared weekly, neither of which was between adiponectin concentration and pre-gestational body mass index or weight gain (p=0.36 and p=0.10, respectively). In contrast, we detected a significant increase in weekly serum leptin levels (p<0.0001), positively correlated to both pre-gestational body mass index and weight gain (p=0.003 and p=0.0007, respectively). CONCLUSION: These adipokines present a different profile throughout adolescent pregnancy.

Conhecimento, atitude e prática de médicos brasileiros sobre a inserção do DIU imediatamente após o parto e o abortamento / Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Brazilian Physicians Regarding Intrauterine Device Insertion Immediately After Childbirth and Abortion

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o conhecimento, a atitude e a prática dos mé- dicos brasileiros sobre a inserção do dispositivo intrauterino no pós-parto e pós-abortamento imediatos. Métodos: Estudo trans- versal envolvendo enquete de plantonistas de hospitais públicos brasileiros. Os participantes responderam a um questionário on- line anônimo com perguntas fechadas para avaliar seu conhe- cimento, atitude e experiência quanto à inserção de dispositivo intrauterino de cobre no pós-parto e pós-abortamento imedia- tos. Resultados: Cento e vinte e sete médicos que trabalham em 23 hospitais nas cinco regiões geográficas do Brasil responde- ram ao questionário. A maioria era do sexo feminino (68,5%) e trabalhava em hospitais universitários (95,3%). O escore médio (desvio-padrão) de conhecimento (escala de 0-10) foi de 5,3 (1,3); apenas 27,6% dos participantes tiveram escores ≥ 7,0. A maioria dos médicos (73,2%) colocaria o DIU pós-parto em si/familia- res. Cerca de 42% afirmaram não ter recebido nenhum treina- mento sobre inserção de dispositivo intrauterino pós-parto ou pós-abortamento. Nos últimos 12 meses, 19,7%, 22,8% e 53,5% dos respondentes afirmaram não ter inserido nenhum dispositi- vo intrauterino durante uma cesariana, imediatamente após um parto vaginal e um abortamento, respectivamente. Conclusão: A maioria das participantes do estudo tem atitude positiva em relação à inserção de dispositivos intrauterinos no pós-parto imediato, mas tem conhecimento limitado sobre o uso desse método contraceptivo. Grande porcentagem dos participantes não teve treinamento anterior sobre inserção de dispositivo in- trauterino pós-parto e pós-abortamento e não realizou nenhuma inserção nos últimos doze meses. São necessárias estratégias para melhorar o conhecimento, o treinamento e a experiência dos médicos brasileiros sobre a inserção de dispositivo intraute- rino no pós-parto e pós-abortamento imediatos.

Serum levels and gestational curve of adiponectin and leptin during adolescent pregnancy

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop a curve of weekly serum levels of adiponectin and leptin among pregnant adolescents. In addition, pregestational body mass index and weight gain were assessed and correlated with the serum concentration of these molecules. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study, including only pregnant adolescents with eutrophic pre-gestational body mass index who were weekly followed during the evolution of gestation. The serum concentrations of adipokines were determined using commercial ELISA kits and were correlated to pre-gestational body mass index and pregnancy weight gain. A total of 157 pregnant women participated in this study. RESULTS: Adiponectin levels showed a significant decrease among the trimesters (p=0.0004). However, we did not observe significant differences among its levels when compared weekly, neither of which was between adiponectin concentration and pre-gestational body mass index or weight gain (p=0.36 and p=0.10, respectively). In contrast, we detected a significant increase in weekly serum leptin levels (p<0.0001), positively correlated to both pre-gestational body mass index and weight gain (p=0.003 and p=0.0007, respectively). CONCLUSION: These adipokines present a different profile throughout adolescent pregnancy.

Hormonal intrauterine device in women with renal transplantation: a prospective observational study

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study is to evaluate the rate of continuity and satisfaction with hormonal intrauterine device in renal transplant recipients. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study. The sample consisted of patients treated at a Family Planning Outpatient Clinic, from August 2016 to September 2021. Information on each patient's age, parity, and associated diseases as well as satisfaction with the method were analyzed. Patients were invited to participate through electronic messages, and the questionnaire included questions about acceptance of the contraceptive method. RESULTS: A total of 40 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the renal transplant patients was 32.5 years. The mean duration of hormonal intrauterine device use was 37 months. Acceptance of the method was high, with 97.5% of patients remaining on the method for 1 year and 85% of patients using the hormonal intrauterine device at the time of the study. There were no pregnancies or renal transplant complications in the study. Regarding satisfaction with the method, the majority (77.5%) scored 10. CONCLUSION: Patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the hormonal intrauterine device. Therefore, the continuation rate was high. Furthermore, this contraceptive method proved to be safe and effective in kidney transplant recipients. No complications, graft rejection, or graft failure were observed after intrauterine hormonal device insertion and during follow-up.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Brazilian Physicians about Immediate Postpartum and Postabortion Intrauterine Device Insertion / Conhecimento, atitude e prática de médicos brasileiros sobre inserção de dispositivo intrauterino no pós-parto e pós-aborto imediatos

Abstract Objective To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of Brazilian physicians about immediate postpartum and postabortion intrauterine device insertion. Methods Cross-sectional online survey involving physicians on duty in public Brazilian hospitals. Participants answered an anonymous questionnaire with close-ended questions to assess their knowledge, attitude, and experience on the immediate postpartum and postabortion insertion of copper intrauterine devices. Results One hundred twenty-seven physicians working in 23 hospitals in the 5 geographic regions of Brazil completed the questionnaire. Most were female (68.5%) and worked in teaching hospitals (95.3%). The mean (standard deviation) knowledge score (0-10 scale) was 5.3 (1.3); only 27.6% of the participants had overall scores ≥7.0. Most physicians (73.2%) would insert a postpartum intrauterine device in themselves/family members. About 42% of respondents stated that they had not received any training on postpartum or postabortion intrauterine device insertion. In the past 12 months, 19.7%, 22.8%, and 53.5% of respondents stated they had not inserted any intrauterine device during a cesarean section, immediately after a vaginal delivery, or after an abortion, respectively. Conclusion Most study participants have a positive attitude toward the insertion of intrauterine devices in the immediate postpartum period, but they have limited knowledge about the use of this contraceptive method. A large percentage of respondents did not have previous training on postpartum and postabortion intrauterine device insertion and had not performed any such insertions in the last 12 months. Strategies are needed to improve the knowledge, training, and experience of Brazilian physicians on immediate postpartum and postabortion intrauterine device insertion.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar o conhecimento, atitude e prática de médicos brasileiros sobre a inserção de dispositivos intrauterinos no pós-parto e pós-aborto imediatos. Métodos Estudo transversal com inquérito online envolvendo médicos plantonistas de hospitais públicos brasileiros. Os participantes responderam a um questionário anônimo com perguntas fechadas para avaliar seu conhecimento, atitude e experiência sobre a inserção de dispositivos intrauterinos de cobre no pós-parto e pós-aborto imediatos. Resultados Cento e vinte sete médicos de 23 hospitais localizados nas 5 regiões do Brasil preencheram o questionário. A maioria era do sexo feminino (68,5%) e trabalhava em hospitais de ensino (95,3%). O escore médio (desvio padrão) de conhecimento (escala 0-10) foi 5,3 (1,3); apenas 27,6% tiveram escore ≥7,0. A maioria (73,2%) faria inserção de dispositivo intrauterino no pós-parto imediato em si mesma/familiares. Cerca de 42% dos participantes declararam não ter recebido nenhum treinamento sobre inserção de dispositivos intrauterinos no pós-parto ou pós-aborto imediatos. Nos últimos 12 meses, 19,7%, 22,8% e 53,5% declararam não ter inserido nenhum dispositivo intrauterino durante uma cesárea, após um parto vaginal ou um aborto, respectivamente. Conclusão A maioria dos participantes tem uma atitude positiva em relação à inserção de dispositivos intrauterinos no pós-parto imediato, porém tem um conhecimento limitado sobre esse método. Uma grande porcentagem dos respondentes não teve treinamento sobre inserção de dispositivos intrauterinos no pós-parto ou pós-aborto imediatos e não fez nenhuma inserção desse tipo nos últimos 12 meses. São necessárias estratégias para melhorar o conhecimento, o treinamento e a experiência dos médicos brasileiros sobre a inserção de dispositivos intrauterinos no pós-parto e pós-aborto imediatos.

Sexual function in Brazilian female adolescents and young adults: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the sexual function of Brazilian adolescents and young women who were using popular contraceptive methods. METHODS: This cross-sectional study took place in 2012-2014 in a free family planning clinic of a tertiary teaching hospital in Brazil. Participants were female adolescents (10-19 years) and young adults (20-24 years) who were using barrier (condom) or hormonal contraceptive methods. The Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire was used to assess the sexual function in the last 4 weeks. RESULTS: A total of 199 women (128 adolescents and 71 young adults) were included. There were no significant differences in the mean total Female Sexual Function Index scores of adolescents and young adults (26.6±5.7 versus 27.6±6.2, respectively, p=0.264). Compared to young adults, adolescents had significantly lower mean scores for orgasm (3.9±1.5 versus 4.4±1.4, p=0.020) and dyspareunia (4.4±1.6 versus 5.2±1.5, p=0.001; lower scores indicate more dyspareunia). There were no significant differences in the proportion of adolescents versus adults classified as being at risk for sexual dysfunction (38.3 versus 42.3%, p=0.651) or at risk of low desire (18.0 versus 21.1%, p=0.579). CONCLUSION: Nearly 40% of Brazilian female adolescents and young adults are at risk for sexual dysfunctional symptoms and 19% have low desire, without significant differences between the two age groups.

Sexual function in Brazilian female adolescents and young adults: a cross-sectional study

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the sexual function of Brazilian adolescents and young women who were using popular contraceptive methods. METHODS: This cross-sectional study took place in 2012-2014 in a free family planning clinic of a tertiary teaching hospital in Brazil. Participants were female adolescents (10-19 years) and young adults (20-24 years) who were using barrier (condom) or hormonal contraceptive methods. The Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire was used to assess the sexual function in the last 4 weeks. RESULTS: A total of 199 women (128 adolescents and 71 young adults) were included. There were no significant differences in the mean total Female Sexual Function Index scores of adolescents and young adults (26.6±5.7 versus 27.6±6.2, respectively, p=0.264). Compared to young adults, adolescents had significantly lower mean scores for orgasm (3.9±1.5 versus 4.4±1.4, p=0.020) and dyspareunia (4.4±1.6 versus 5.2±1.5, p=0.001; lower scores indicate more dyspareunia). There were no significant differences in the proportion of adolescents versus adults classified as being at risk for sexual dysfunction (38.3 versus 42.3%, p=0.651) or at risk of low desire (18.0 versus 21.1%, p=0.579). CONCLUSION: Nearly 40% of Brazilian female adolescents and young adults are at risk for sexual dysfunctional symptoms and 19% have low desire, without significant differences between the two age groups.

Adiponectin and leptin serum levels in normal adolescent pregnancies.

INTRODUCTION: Adiponectin and leptin play a critical role in pregnancy development, the blood levels of these adipokines have been extensively investigated in healthy adult women, however there are no similar studies in adolescents. The aim of this study was to evaluate adiponectin and leptin serum levels in adolescents during pregnancy. METHODS: This prospective cohort study recruited 105 healthy, normal-weight adolescents, within the ages from 13 to 19 years old. Leptin and adiponectin serum levels of the 43 pregnant participants were assessed at 10-14, 24-28 and 30-34 weeks and their concentrations were compared with those of the 62 nonpregnant adolescents. Commercial ELISA kits were used for all assessments. RESULTS: There were no clinical and sociodemographic differences between the pregnant and nonpregnant adolescents. Adiponectin serum levels were significantly lower in the pregnant compared to the nonpregnant adolescents 3600 ± 1730 ng/ml versus 4144 ± 1583 ng/ml, respectively. (p < .0001). Moreover, adiponectin concentration decreased significantly with pregnancy progress: being 4295 (± 2003) ng/ml at the first trimester; 3419 (±1803) ng/ml at the 2nd; and 3112 (±1442) ng/ml at the 3rd trimesters, respectively (p = .004). Overall leptin serum concentrations were significantly higher in pregnant than in nonpregnant adolescents (p < .0001). During pregnancy, leptin concentration increased significantly between the first and third trimesters: 35,688 (±33,637) pg/ml versus 49,388 (±33,186) pg/ml, respectively, (p < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: The profile of adiponectin and leptin serum levels in adolescent are similar to that observed in adult women. In both cases, there are significant changes with gestational age during healthy pregnancy.Key MessageAdiponectin and leptin serum levels in healthy teenager changes with pregnancy.

Blood level of adipokines and nutritional status variables in adolescent pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the serum levels of adiponectin and leptin and their relationship with nutritional variables during pregnancy in adolescents. METHODS: This prospective cohort study evaluated eutrophic pregnant adolescents (body mass index [BMI], 18.5-24.9 kg/m2) during the 3 gestational trimesters (first, 10-14 weeks; second, 24-28 weeks; and third, 30-34 weeks). Serum adiponectin and leptin concentrations were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. The relationship of these adipokines with the pre-gestational BMI, gestational weight gain, weight at the time of sample collection, and newborn weight were evaluated. Analysis of variance and the Kruskal-Wallis test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The study group comprised 62 pregnant adolescents. The serum concentration of adiponectin showed a significant difference between the first and third trimesters (P=0.003), which decreased during pregnancy, but unrelated to nutritional variables. Serum leptin levels increased throughout the pregnancy (P<0.0001) and showed a positive correlation with pre-gestational BMI, total weight gain, pregnancy weight at the time of sample collection, and newborns' weight. CONCLUSION: Serum levels of adiponectin and leptin vary inversely throughout pregnancy. This pattern in adolescents is similar to that observed in adults. Moreover, leptin concentrations increased throughout pregnancy, and they were positively correlated with all variables evaluated.

Expulsion rate of intrauterine device: mediate vs. immediate puerperium period

Objective: To evaluate the rate of expulsion of intrauterine device (IUD) inserted during the immediate and mediate puerperium. To evaluate whether the type of delivery is a predictor of expulsion of the IUD when inserted in the puerperium period. Material and Methods: This was a prospective observational study. Patients whose IUD (TCU-380 copper) was placed during the puerperal period were divided in two groups according to the time of placement: immediate and mediate puerperium. The decision regarding the time of IUD insertion was made in a non-randomized manner. Analysis was performed using chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, and Spearman's correlation tests and logistic regression analysis. Results: The total rate of IUD expulsions was 28.8% (49/170). There was no significant association between the occurrence of expulsion and the timing of IUD insertion (immediate vs mediate puerperium; 26.6% vs 34.78%, p=0.296). Among patients experiencing expulsion, 79.6% (39/49) underwent insertion after vaginal delivery and 20.4% (10/49) during cesarean section (CS). The type of delivery was a significant predictor for IUD expulsion (p<0.0001). Vaginal delivery was fourfold more likely to be associated with IUD expulsion inserted in the puerperal period than CS (odds ratio: 4.23, 95% confidence interval: 1.94-9.25). There was no significant correlation between the period between IUD insertion and the diagnosis of expulsion in regard to number of pregnancies (r=-0.160, p=0.271) or gestational age at delivery (r=-0.058, p=0.939). Conclusion: Vaginal delivery was the most prevalent type of delivery in patients who underwent IUD insertion during the immediate and mediate puerperium. The risk of IUD expulsion after vaginal delivery was greater than CS.

Different Perceptions among Women and Their Physicians Regarding Contraceptive Counseling: Results from the TANCO Survey in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: The optimal use of contraceptive methods requires that women participate in targeted choice of methods that meet their individual needs and expectations. The Thinking About Needs in Contraception (TANCO) study is a quantitative online survey of the views of health professionals and women on aspects of contraceptive counseling and contraceptive use. METHODS: Physicians and women attending clinics for contraception were invited to complete online questionnaires. The research explored the knowledge and use of contraceptive methods, satisfaction with the current method and interest in receiving more information on all methods. Aspects related to contraceptive practice among physicians were gathered in parallel. The results obtained in the Brazilian research were compared with those of the European research, which involved 11 countries. RESULTS: There was a high prevalence of contraceptive use and general satisfaction with the current method. A total of 63% of the women were using short-acting contraceptive (SAC) methods, and 9% were using a long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC). Sixty-six percent of women were interested in receiving more information on all methods; 69% of women said they would consider LARC if they received more comprehensive information about it. Health professionals tend to underestimate the interest of women in receiving information about contraception in general, and more specifically about LARCs. CONCLUSION: Despite the high levels of use and satisfaction with the current methods, women were interested in receiving more information on all contraceptive methods. Structured contraceptive counseling based on individual needs and expectations may lead to greater knowledge and a greater likelihood of proper contraceptive choice.

OBJETIVO: A utilização ideal de métodos contraceptivos requer que as mulheres participem da escolha orientada sobre métodos que atendam às suas necessidades e expectativas individuais. O estudo Thinking About Needs in Contraception (TANCO)­Pensando nas Necessidades em Contracepção­é uma pesquisa quantitativa online de opiniões de profissionais de saúde e de mulheres sobre aspectos do aconselhamento contraceptivo e uso de anticoncepcionais. MéTODOS: Médicos e mulheres que frequentam consultórios de atendimento visando contracepção foram convidados a preencher questionários online. A pesquisa explorou o conhecimento e o uso de métodos contraceptivos, a satisfação com o método atual, e o interesse em receber mais informações sobre todos os métodos. Aspectos relacionados à prática contraceptiva entre médicos foram reunidos em paralelo. Os resultados obtidos na pesquisa brasileira foram comparados aos da pesquisa europeia, que envolveu 11 países. RESULTADOS: Houve alta prevalência do uso de contraceptivos e satisfação geral com o método atual. Sessenta e três por cento das mulheres estavam usando métodos de curta duração (SAC, na sigla em inglês), e 9% estavam usando um método de longa ação (LARC, na sigla em inglês). Sessenta e seis por cento das mulheres estavam interessadas em receber mais informações sobre todos os métodos; 69% das mulheres disseram que considerariam um LARC se recebessem informações mais abrangentes sobre esse método. Os profissionais de saúde tendem a subestimar o interesse das mulheres em receber informações sobre a contracepção em geral e, mais especificamente, sobre os LARC. CONCLUSãO: Apesar dos altos níveis de uso e satisfação com os métodos atuais, as mulheres estavam interessadas em receber mais informações sobre todos os métodos contraceptivos. O aconselhamento contraceptivo estruturado, baseado nas necessidades e expectativas individuais pode levar ao maior conhecimento e à maior probabilidade de escolha contraceptiva adequada.

Increased Vulnerability to Pregnancy and Sexual Violence in Adolescents with Precocious Menstruation.

This cross-sectional, observational, and descriptive study was conducted to evaluate the association between age at menarche in the adolescent population and the age at sexual initiation, age at first pregnancy, and experience of sexual violence in the adolescent population visiting a primary health unit in Brazil. We recruited 201 female adolescents who visited the gynecology outpatient clinic of a Basic Health Unit in the Federal District of Brazil. These adolescents answered a questionnaire with regard to sexual and reproductive health during doctor's appointments. To calculate the association, we recorded data for age at menarche, age at first sexual intercourse, age at first pregnancy, and experience of sexual violence. Pearson and Mann-Whitney correlation coefficient statistical tests were performed to evaluate the association between these variables. Mean age at menarche was lower among adolescents who became pregnant (p = 0.0004) and those who experienced sexual violence (p = 0.0008). Further, there was a strong association between age at menarche and age at first sexual intercourse (p < 0.0001). This study also demonstrated that the earlier the age at menarche, the earlier was the age at sexual initiation and age at first unintended pregnancy and the greater was the risk of experiencing sexual violence. Early menarche may be considered a vulnerability factor during adolescence.