Condom use at last sexual relationship among adolescents of Santiago Island, Cape Verde, - West Africa.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate factors associated with condom use at last sexual intercourse among adolescents. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of a representative sample of 368 sexually active adolescents aged 13-17 years from eight public high schools on Santiago Island, Cape Verde, 2007. The level of significance was 5.0% obtained from logistic regression, considering the association between condom use and socio-demographic, sexual and reproductive variables. RESULTS: The prevalence of condom use at last sexual intercourse was 94.9%. Factors associated with condom use at last sexual relationship were: non-Catholic religion (OR=0.68, 95%CI: 0.52; 0.88) and affective-sexual partnership before the interview (OR=5.15, 95%CI: 1.79; 14.80). CONCLUSIONS: There was a high prevalence of condom use at last sexual intercourse of adolescents.

[Adolescent males and sex life: Heterogeneous motivations related to sexual debut]. / Homens adolescentes e vida sexual: heterogeneidades nas motivações que cercam a iniciação sexual.

This article describes male adolescents' affective history and reasons for initiating or postponing sexual activity, using interviews with 184 males ages 15 to 19 and residing in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, in 2002. Factors for sexual debut included physical attraction, curiosity, and the desire to lose their virginity, suggesting a profile similar to the male social role. Most of the virgin adolescent males justified their choice based on issues of a romantic order, such as not having found the right person or because they preferred to remain virgin until marrying. The results showed a dual social pattern, valuing the feeling of love and deliverance to the loved one, simultaneously with the pressing physical and instinctive desire for sex. Traditional patterns of masculinity, like the dissociation between sex and love, appear to be transposed to sexual debut, revealing a diversity in the ways of experiencing sexuality during adolescence, related in turn to the sexual and reproductive health of men and their partners.

[Factors associated with sexual debut among adolescents enrolled in a family health unit in East Side São Paulo, Brazil]. / Fatores associados ao início da vida sexual de adolescentes matriculados em uma unidade de saúde da família da zona leste do Município de São Paulo, Brasil.

This study aimed to analyze the individual and family factors associated with sexual debut among adolescents. From June to December 2002, a cross-sectional study was conducted with 383 15-19-year-old single adolescents enrolled in a family health unit on the East Side of the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted separately for males and females. Dating and age were positively associated with sexual debut for both boys and girls. Parental factors were only associated with male sexual debut, while factors related to siblings and housing were only associated with female sexual debut. Thus, dating and family factors like parents' opinions on sexual practices in adolescence and having a sibling with a history of teenage pregnancy are aspects that need to be incorporated into reproductive and sexual health promotion policies targeting adolescents, since they appear as determinants of sexual debut among these young people.

[Reproductive health: a contribution to the evaluation of a virtual library]. / Saúde reprodutiva: uma contribuição para avaliação de biblioteca virtual.

Virtual libraries have been implemented in an attempt to organize scientific information found in the Internet, including the Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde Reprodutiva (BVSR), or Virtual Library on Reproductive Health. The aim is to provide quality information to researchers in the reproductive health field. The current study evaluates the use of the BVSR, emphasizing the users' expectations, difficulties, and suggestions. The study adopted a qualitative methodology. The focus group technique was applied to Internet chat groups through which reproductive health researchers communicated. Users expressed their expectations regarding information, highlighting the lack of time and the need to quickly obtain precise data. Use of virtual libraries for research increases where there is more trust in the institutions responsible for maintaining them. Researchers suggested the following: greater dissemination of the BVSR, publication of an electronic newsletter, and creation of a communications channel between the BVSR and users in order to foster intelligent collective communication.

[Talking about sex: the social and familial net as a base for sexual and reproductive health promotion among adolescents]. / Conversando sobre sexo: a rede sociofamiliar como base de promoção da saúde sexual e reprodutiva de adolescentes.

This study aimed to assess whom adolescents shared information and dialogues about sexuality with. Therefore, 383 fifteen to nineteen year-old adolescents enrolled in a family health unit in the city of São Paulo (Brazil) were interviewed in 2002. Adolescents most frequently seemed to talk about sex with peers, although they lost priority according to the complexity of the theme. Thus, teachers and health professionals were mainly indicated as a reference when talking about std/aids. For 20% of the adolescents, parents were the main persons to get information from, no matter the subject. The results indicated that this entire social and family network should be incorporated as partners in sexual and reproductive health promotion among adolescents.

Prevalence of Family Violence and Associated Factors Among In-School Adolescents in São Paulo, SP, Brazil.

Family violence is a social and public health issue across the world for many populations and affects many different types of people, for example, children, women, and vulnerable adults. Adolescents are one of the main victims of this important phenomenon. This article estimates the prevalence of family violence in adolescents and associated factors. The study was carried out in 2012 with a probability and representative sample of 656 adolescents aged between 11 and 17 years who were enrolled at public schools located in the extreme South of the city of São Paulo. The association was tested by the proportion test, Pearson's chi-square or Fischer's exact test, and Poisson regression adjusted by robust variance estimation, considering a level of significance of 5%. Among adolescents, 38.9% reported having been victims of family violence. Women were victimized with higher frequency (44.1%). The factors associated with prevalence of family violence were being of the female sex (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.20, 1.80]) and living only with the father (PR = 1.52; 95% CI = [1.11, 2.08]). The prevalence of adolescents who were victims of family violence is high; however, special attention must be paid to women and adolescents who live only with their father-they were established, in this study, as a risk group. Epidemiological studies of this nature are important to reveal the reality of family violence and to aid the construction of intersectoral public policies to promote health, prevent violence, and foster a peaceful culture.

"Ofereceram mil reais a mais": Práticas de prevenção à infecção pelo HIV entre garotos de programa de luxo / "They offered a thousand reais more": HIV infection prevention practices among male luxury prostitutes / "Ofrecieron mil reales más": Prácticas de prevención a la infección por el VIH entre taxi boys de lujo

Considera-se que a prostituição advém de uma multiplicidade de fatores. Contudo, a inserção desta prática no mercado capitalista aparece como motivo para a entrada de rapazes de classe média e alta nesse ramo. Sua diferenciação se dá por meio da associação aos ideais de higiene, masculinidade e intelectualidade, os quais estabelecem a dicotomia entre confiança, segurança e riqueza versus perigo, pobreza, riscos e doenças. Define-se como objetivo deste artigo identificar os aspectos relacionados às práticas de prevenção à infecção pelo HIV entre garotos de programa de luxo. A população do estudo é composta por oito homens acompanhantes de alto padrão. Foram realizadas entrevistas utilizando um roteiro temático norteador. De acordo com as falas dos participantes, a camisinha é fator impreterível para os programas, funcionando como uma barreira simbólica em relação aos clientes. De forma geral, os entrevistados apresentam desconhecimento acerca de métodos de prevenção combinada (PEP e PrEP), assim como crenças e associações errôneas sobre métodos de prevenção e riscos. Os resultados ajudam a entender o aumento do índice de infecções por HIV na população homossexual, assim como indicam novos caminhos e estratégias de prevenção para o grupo de profissionais do sexo.

Prostitution is considered to come from multiple factors. However, the insertion of this practice in the capitalist market appears as a reason for the entry of middle and upper-class boys into this business. Its differentiation occurs through the association with hygiene ideals, masculinity and intellectua, which establish a dichotomy between trust, security and wealth versus danger, poverty, risks and diseases. This article aims to identify aspects related to HIV infection prevention practices among male luxury escorts. This study consists of interviews conducted with eight high-standard male escorts using a thematic script. According to the participants' statements, condoms are essential for the sexual services, functioning as a symbolic barrier in relation to customers. In general, the interviewees are unaware of combined prevention methods (PEP and PrEP), as well as having mistaken beliefs and associations about prevention methods and risks. The results help to understand the HIV infection rate increase in the homosexual population, as well as to indicate new ways and prevention strategies for sex workers.

Se considera que la prostitución viene de una multiplicidad de factores. Sin embargo, la inserción de esta práctica en el mercado capitalista aparece como motivo para la entrada de hombres de clase media y alta en ese ramo. La diferenciación de estos con los de otras clases sociales, se da por medio de la asociación a los ideales de higiene, masculinidad e intelectualidad; que establecen la dicotomía entre confianza, seguridad y riqueza frente al riesgo, pobreza, riesgo y enfermedades. Se define como objetivo de este artículo identificar los aspectos relacionados a las prácticas de prevención a la infección por el VIH entre taxi boys de lujo. La población del estudio está compuesta por ocho hombres acompañantes de alto nivel. Se realizaron entrevistas utilizando un itinerario temático orientador. De acuerdo con las palabras de los participantes, el preservativo es un factor impredecible para los programas, funcionando como una barrera simbólica en relación a los clientes. En general, los entrevistados no conocen los métodos de prevención combinada (PEP y PrEP) y presentan creencias y asociaciones erróneas sobre métodos de prevención y riesgos. Los resultados ayudan a entender el aumento del índice de infecciones por VIH en la población homosexual, así como, indican nuevos caminos y estrategias de prevención para el grupo de profesionales del sexo.

[Sexual debut in adolescence and gender relations: a cross-sectional study in São Paulo, Brazil, 2002]. / Início da vida sexual na adolescência e relações de gênero: um estudo transversal em São Paulo, Brasil, 2002.

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess gender differences in adolescents in relation to onset of sexual activity. A total of 406 15-19-year-old adolescents from a family health unit in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, were interviewed from May to December 2002. Nearly half had already had their first sexual intercourse, at a mean age of 15, independently of gender. Sexual debut was usually unplanned (72.7%) and inside the home (86.1%). An equal proportion (61.0%) of males and females used some contraceptive method in their first sexual intercourse; however, more males had used a contraceptive method in their most recent intercourse. Having initiated their sexual activity in stable, affective relationships, females proved to be more vulnerable to STD/AIDS, since they switched from condoms to the pill in their subsequent sexual activity. Male adolescents continued to use mostly condoms, probably because they were involved mainly in non-stable relationships.

[Reasons why sterilized women refused reversive contraceptive methods]. / Motivos de rejeição aos métodos contraceptivos reversíveis em mulheres esterilizadas.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the representations of contraceptive methods within a group of sterilized women, aiming at understanding the reasons why they refused those methods. METHODS: A descriptive qualitative study was carried out on 31 sterilized women, randomly selected from a list of patients attending the Family Planning Program of a university hospital. Data was collected through a semi-structured interview. Interview transcription was analyzed according to the Content Analysis method. RESULTS: Refusal to other contraceptive methods was based on representations formed from a mixture of technical information received at health service units, their previous experiences with contraceptive methods and information received in the social environment. Rejection of high efficacy methods (hormonal and IUD) was mostly based on their low innocuousness; refusal to fertility awareness methods (calendar calculation, Billings ovulation method) was due to their low efficacy; and rejection of barrier methods (condom, diaphragm) was due to a culturally patterned sexuality full of interdictions as well as to their low efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: The option for female sterilization may be indicative of the refusal to the contraceptive alternatives offered by health services. Reproductive health professionals should increase in their practice the knowledge about personal, socio-economic and cultural factors that affect women's choice of a contraceptive method that could guarantee a better control over their own reproductive life.

[Reproductive intentions and fertility regulation practices among university students]. / Intenções reprodutivas e práticas de regulação da fecundidade entre universitários.

OBJECTIVE: To identify reproductive intentions and fertility regulation practices, including contraception and abortion, in a group of high schooling adolescents and young adults. METHODS: The data were gathered from a large quali-quantitative study carried out among University of São Paulo undergraduate students aged up to 24 years. The study sample consisted of 952 students who attended the university courses and were randomly drawn. In this first step, a self-administered questionnaire was applied to the students in the classroom. On the next step, in-depth interviews were applied to 33 volunteer students in a preset place. RESULTS: It was observed that the students' idealized family model is to have up to two children. The optimal age for having a first child is close to 30. The students referred high contraceptive use, especially condoms and the pill. High proportion of abortion was also observed. Consequently, fertility is considerably low in the study group, i.e., 27 students reported having one or more pregnancies. Qualitative data were not analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: Although the idealized family size reflects a general trend in the Brazilian society, it can be noted that the group delays maternity/paternity for the sake of a life project of getting a university degree and having autonomy. Despite that, contraception and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases are poor.

[Experiencing motherhood in early adolescence]. / Vivências da maternidade na adolescência precoce.

OBJECTIVE: Although still scarcely studied in Brazil, motherhood in early adolescence among girls aged 10 to 14 years is mostly unwanted and it is an important public health issue. Most investigations are based on biomedical paradigms and few take into consideration the adolescent's point of view. This study aimed to explore the different patterns of experiencing early motherhood from the adolescent's own point of view. METHODS: William Stephenson's Q methodology was applied. The study population was selected from 2 public mother and child health units in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and comprised 20 adolescents who became pregnant at the age of 10 to 14 years and were followed up for a period of 6 to 24 months after giving birth. Q-sorts underwent factor analysis and then the factors were interpreted. RESULTS: Four qualitatively and statistically (p<0.01) perception patterns were found. Two factors were well defined: Factor I - Satisfied with motherhood/ Dependent on the child's affection: motherhood is a positive and rich experience; and Factor II - Depressed/ Stressed out: motherhood is a negative and stressful experience. Other two potential factors need confirmation in further studies with a larger sample size. CONCLUSIONS: It was observed that motherhood's experience is distinct and heterogeneous. For some adolescents, motherhood could be a rewarding experience

[The profile of women with high fertility in a major urban center in Brazil]. / Perfil de mulheres com alta fecundidade em um grande centro urbano no Brasil.

A quantitative, descriptive study sought to identify the socio-demographic, reproductive and social protection conditions of women in a large city in Brazil. The target population consisted of women living in Curitiba with the last of five or more children born in the year 2005, identified by the registration system of newborn babies. Interviews in households were carried out with 441 women from 2006 to 2008 using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data obtained from the study were presented in tables with absolute and relative frequencies, averages and standard deviations. The following profile was derived from the results: migrant women from the state interior, living for over ten years in the capital, coming from large families, with a mean age of 35 years and five years of schooling, with more than one marriage, living in consensual union, underemployed, with an average income of around US$ 352 to cover the needs of seven or more dependents. This profile clearly confirms the social vulnerability of these women and their families. The study concludes that a proactive search by family health teams for women with high fertility, in order to prioritize their needs, would assist in reducing their social and health inequalities.

[Motorcycle accidents in the municipality of Rio Branco in the State of Acre: characterization and trends]. / Acidentes de motocicleta no município de Rio Branco: caracterização e tendências.

The scope of this paper is to assess traffic accidents involving motorcycles, the victims involved and the increase in the fleet compared with other vehicles in Rio Branco, State of Acre. It is an epidemiological, descriptive and transversal study of accidents between 2005 and 2008 recorded by the Acre State Highway Department. There were 3,582 motorcycle accidents and 3,768 victims in the period. The motorcycle fleet increased by 72.8%, with involvement in accidents increasing by 42.2%, while accidents involving other vehicles only increased by 9.2%. As regards victims, there is a predominance of men, with rates of 561.1, with the age groups of between 20 and 29 and 30 and 39 being the highest, with 755.4 and 542.2, respectively. With reference to accident characteristics, the highest number of accidents - 32.4% - occurred in the afternoon, followed by the morning with 29.2% and the evening with 28.9%. 18.3% occurred on Saturdays and 15.7% on Sundays. Collisions were the commonest kind of accident, with 3,036 (84.8%) occurrences. The conclusion drawn is that it is essential to stage ongoing preventive programs and ensure greater integration among the institutions involved, with planning and campaigns to reverse the current situation.

As primeiras respostas à epidemia de aids no Brasil: influências dos conceitos de gênero, masculinidade e dos movimentos sociais / First responses to the aids epidemic in Brazil: influences of the concepts of gender, masculinity and the social movements

Este ensaio caracteriza-se por ser uma reflexão teórica sobre as concepções de gênero e masculinidade e, como estas influenciaram a formulação de uma identidade de grupo e de movimentos que marcaram as primeiras respostas do Estado brasileiro à epidemia de aids. Sendo assim, o artigo apresenta, além das teorias de gênero e masculinidade, um panorama sobre a formulação das ‘redes de solidariedade’ e de grupos e organizações não governamentais, focados na luta pelos direitos das pessoas vivendo com HIV/aids e no apoio à aqueles que viviam com a doença, a expansão da homofobia, por parte daqueles que utilizaram o HIV como bode expiatório de fobias e preconceitos e, a formulação de Políticas Públicas em reação às inquietações de representantes da comunidade homossexual. Conclui-se que o fato de as primeiras pessoas identificadas como portadoras do HIV serem homens gays marcou profundamente as respostas dadas à epidemia...

This essay represents a theoretical reflection on the concepts of gender andmasculinity, and how they helped shape an identity for the groups and movementsthat constituted the first responses by the Brazilian State to the AIDSepidemic. Therefore, in addition to the gender and masculinity theories, thisarticle presents an overview of the development of ‘solidarity networks’ andof groups and non-governmental organizations that are focused on: fightingfor the rights of HIV/AIDS carriers; on supporting those who live with thedisease; on the homophobia engendered by those using HIV as a scapegoatfor phobias and prejudice; and on making public policies as a response to the concerns of gay community representatives. In conclusion, the fact that the first HIV carriers were identified as gay men influenced profoundly not only theresponse to the epidemic, but the direction taken by the LGBT movement, and led to an undeniable stigmatization of individuals affected by the syndrome.On the other hand, AIDS was responsible for bringing ‘sexual deviance’ to the surface, as well as other dissenting forms of heterosexuality and hegemonicmasculinity, making them everyday realities...

Factors associated with sexual initiation and condom use among adolescents on Santiago Island, Cape Verde, West Africa.

The current study focuses on factors associated with sexual initiation and condom use among teenagers on Santiago Island, Cape Verde, according to gender. This was a representative, probabilistic sample of 13-to-17-year-olds (n = 768) attending public secondary schools on Santiago Island in 2007. Associations were tested by test of proportion, Pearson's chi-square, or Fisher's exact test and logistic regression. Factors related to sexual initiation among boys were: age over 14 years, Catholic religion, and alcohol consumption. For girls, the factors included: > 9 years of schooling and involvement in an affective-sexual relationship. Unlike other Sub-Saharan countries, this study showed a high prevalence of condom use during initial sexual activity. Adolescents are able to safely begin sexually active life if they have access to information, sex education, and other STD prevention and contraceptive methods. This study provides insights on the development of policies to reduce the vulnerability of the young population to STD/AIDS and the limits and challenges related to the promotion of condom use and sex education, focusing on unequal gender relations.

Acidentes de motocicleta no município de Rio Branco: caracterização e tendências / Motorcycle accidents in the municipality of Rio Branco in the State of Acre: characterization and trends

O objetivo foi caracterizar os acidentes de trânsito com motocicleta, suas vítimas e o crescimento da frota, comparado-os às ocorrências com os demais tipos de veículo, em Rio Branco, Acre. Trata-se de um estudo, descritivo e transversal. Abrangeu os acidentes ocorridos entre 2005 e 2008 notificados pelo Departamento Estadual de Trânsito do Estado do Acre. No quadriênio foram observados 3.582 acidentes com motocicleta e 3.768 vítimas. A frota de motocicletas teve um crescimento de 72,8%, com uma taxa de envolvimento em acidentes com um aumento de 42,2%, enquanto os demais tipos de veículo tiveram uma elevação de apenas 9,2%. Quanto às vítimas, há predominância do sexo masculino, os grupos etários de 20 a 29 e de 30 a 39 anos foram os de taxas mais elevadas. Quanto às características dos acidentes, o período da tarde destacou-se com 1.162 (32,4%), seguido da manhã com 1.046 (29,2%) e noite com 1.035 (28,9%). O sábado se apresentou com 657 (18,3%) e domingo com 563 (15,7%). As colisões/abalroamento foram o tipo de acidente mais comum, com 3.036 (84,8%) registros. São primordiais a efetivação contínua de programas preventivos e maior integralidade entre as instituições envolvidas, com planejamento e execuções, capazes de modificar o cenário atual.

The scope of this paper is to assess traffic accidents involving motorcycles, the victims involved and the increase in the fleet compared with other vehicles in Rio Branco, State of Acre. It is an epidemiological, descriptive and transversal study of accidents between 2005 and 2008 recorded by the Acre State Highway Department. There were 3,582 motorcycle accidents and 3,768 victims in the period. The motorcycle fleet increased by 72.8%, with involvement in accidents increasing by 42.2%, while accidents involving other vehicles only increased by 9.2%. As regards victims, there is a predominance of men, with rates of 561.1, with the age groups of between 20 and 29 and 30 and 39 being the highest, with 755.4 and 542.2, respectively. With reference to accident characteristics, the highest number of accidents - 32.4% - occurred in the afternoon, followed by the morning with 29.2% and the evening with 28.9%. 18.3% occurred on Saturdays and 15.7% on Sundays. Collisions were the commonest kind of accident, with 3,036 (84.8%) occurrences. The conclusion drawn is that it is essential to stage ongoing preventive programs and ensure greater integration among the institutions involved, with planning and campaigns to reverse the current situation.

Perfil de mulheres com alta fecundidade em um grande centro urbano no Brasil / The profile of women with high fertility in a major urban center in Brazil

Estudo quantitativo, descritivo que teve como objetivo conhecer e caracterizar as condições sociodemográficas, reprodutivas e de proteção social de mulheres que vivenciam alta fecundidade, em um grande centro urbano. A população pesquisada constituiu-se de 441 mulheres residentes em Curitiba que tiveram o quinto filho, ou mais, no ano de 2005, identificadas pela declaração de nascido vivo do último filho. Realizaram-se visitas domiciliares para entrevistas nos anos de 2006 a 2008. Para a coleta dos dados foi utilizado um questionário semiestruturado. Os resultados foram apresentados em tabelas com frequências absolutas e relativas, médias e desvio padrão, permitindo delinear o seguinte perfil: mulher migrante do interior do estado, residente há mais de dez anos na capital, vinda de família numerosa, com 35 anos em média e cinco anos de estudo, com mais de uma união, vivendo em união consensual, subempregada, com renda média aproximada de R$ 600,00, responsável por sete dependentes ou mais. Confirmando claramente a vulnerabilidade dessas mulheres e suas famílias. Conclui-se que a busca ativa de mulheres com alta fecundidade pelas equipes de saúde da família, priorizando suas necessidades, contribuiria para a redução das desigualdades sociais e em saúde a que elas estão sujeitas.

A quantitative, descriptive study sought to identify the socio-demographic, reproductive and social protection conditions of women in a large city in Brazil. The target population consisted of women living in Curitiba with the last of five or more children born in the year 2005, identified by the registration system of newborn babies. Interviews in households were carried out with 441 women from 2006 to 2008 using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data obtained from the study were presented in tables with absolute and relative frequencies, averages and standard deviations. The following profile was derived from the results: migrant women from the state interior, living for over ten years in the capital, coming from large families, with a mean age of 35 years and five years of schooling, with more than one marriage, living in consensual union, underemployed, with an average income of around US$ 352 to cover the needs of seven or more dependents. This profile clearly confirms the social vulnerability of these women and their families. The study concludes that a proactive search by family health teams for women with high fertility, in order to prioritize their needs, would assist in reducing their social and health inequalities.

Intenções reprodutivas de mulheres que vivenciam regime de alta fecundidade em um grande centro urbano / Reproductive intentions of women who experienced high fertility in a major urban center

Neste estudo quantitativo e de base populacional objetivou-se identificar as intenções reprodutivas de mulheres com cinco ou mais filhos, residentes em Curitiba, Paraná. Foram entrevistadas 441 mulheres em seus domicílios entre os anos de 2006 a 2008. Calcularam-se frequências, e o teste t de Student e o coeficiente de Spearman para algumas variáveis. Para análise das perguntas abertas utilizou-se a análise de conteúdo e se elaboraram tabelas com as categorias e as respectivas frequências. O estudo revelou que para 51 por cento das mulheres o número ideal de filhos seria dois; 10 por cento tiveram o número de filhos que desejavam. Em 113 casos (40,4 por cento) o marido preferia ter um número maior de filhos do que as mulheres. Identificaram-se dificuldades na definição e na conquista da fecundidade desejada, falhas na assistência à saúde reprodutiva e desigualdades sociais e de gênero. O monitoramento pelos gestores de saúde dos diferenciais de fecundidade é necessário para o alcance da justiça social e a garantia dos direitos humanos, sexuais e reprodutivos, no Brasil.

This quantitative and population-based study aimed to identify reproductive intentions of women with five or more children living in Curitiba, Paraná. 441 women were interviewed in their homes between the years 2006 to 2008. Frequencies were calculated, as well as Student's t test and Spearman coefficient for some variables. To analyse the open questions it was used content analysis and worked out tables with categories , their frequencies and percentages. The study revealed that for 51% of women the ideal number of children would have been two children; 10% had the number of children they wanted. In 113 cases (40.4%) the husbands would rather have a larger number of children than women. Difficulties were identified in the definition and achievement of desired fertility, besides failures in reproductive health care and social and gender inequalities. Health managers should monitor the differentials in fertility rates in order to pursue social justice and ensure human rights, as well as sexual and reproductive rights in Brazil.

A jovem mãe e o mercado de trabalho / The young mother and the labor market

INTRODUÇÃO: O Centro de Orientação ao Adolescente de Campinas mantém um programa para capacitar adolescentes de 15 a 18 anos, desfavorecidos economicamente, estudantes, para a entrada no mercado de trabalho. OBJETIVO: Compreender projetos de vida de adolescentes, que se tornaram mães, enquanto participavam do programa, no período de 2003 a 2008, buscando desvelar o lugar da vida profissional na trajetória de vida, antes e depois da maternidade. MÉTODO: Oito jovens mães foram entrevistadas, sendo aplicada metodologia qualitativa para a análise das entrevistas. RESULTADOS: As trajetórias de estudo e trabalho foram descontinuadas, ou sofreram adaptações, com a maternidade. Quatro jovens finalizaram o segundo grau e nenhuma havia ingressado na faculdade. Três não voltaram a trabalhar e as demais tiveram experiências diversificadas de trabalho. As dificuldades relatadas para a inserção no mercado de trabalho foram: insuficiência de instrumentos de apoio no cuidado das crianças, baixo ganho salarial, falta de experiência de trabalho, filhos pequenos e pouca formação educacional. CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS: A maternidade na adolescência não indicou a exclusão dos projetos de formação educacional ou de trabalho, mas adaptações e necessidade de uma rede de apoio familiar e social. Constatou-se a necessidade de políticas públicas para a inserção do jovem no mercado de trabalho e para serviços de apoio, como creches. Demonstra-se a necessidade de uma mudança nas relações de gênero, com maior igualdade de direitos, como pré-condição à inserção da mulher no mercado de trabalho, em especial, daquelas que são mães.

Esterilização feminina: em busca do controle da própriafertilidade / Female sterilization: searching for the control of their fertility / Esterilización femenina: en busca del control de la propia fertilidad

Mulheres que procuram pela esterilização feminina, muito raramente mudam a sua opção. Estas mulheresexpressam um profundo medo de engravidar e buscam por um método que fosse o mais eficaz possível. Esteestudo teve por objetivo descrever e analisar as representações da esterilização feminina existentes num grupode 31 mulheres esterilizadas. Estudo descritivo, qualitativo, teve as informações coletadas por meio deentrevistas, conduzidas por formulário semiestruturado e roteiro temático. A esterilização feminina foi referidacomo um método que supera as deficiências apresentadas pelos métodos contraceptivos reversíveis erepresentada como: um “método muito eficaz e definitivo”; um “método que não faz mal à saúde”; um “métodofácil de usar” já que não pressupõe tarefas adicionais de manejo; um “método que não interfere no momento dosexo” e que propicia uma sexualidade mais tranquila, desvinculada do risco de uma gravidez indesejada; um“método que independe da participação do homem”. A única representação negativa da esterilização feminina,referida em várias entrevistas, foi a de ser um “método de difícil acesso”, pela falta de dinheiro para pagá-la numserviço privado de saúde ou pela longa fila de espera dos serviços públicos que a realizam.

We observe that the women who are seeking female sterilization, very seldom change their opinion. Thesewomen usually express a deep fear of becoming pregnant and search for the most efficient possible method ofsterilization. The objective of this study was to describe and analyze the representations of the existing femalesterilization in a group of 31 sterilized women. It is a descriptive and qualitative study that had the informationcollected through interviews, carried out through a half-structured form and thematic script. Female sterilizationwas referred as a method that surpasses the deficiencies presented by the reversible contraceptive methods andit was represented as: an "efficient and ultimate method"; a "method that does not harm your health"; an "easymethod to use", since it does not need anything to manage it; a "method that does not interfere with theintercourse" which brings tranquility to the sexuality, without the risk of an unwanted pregnancy; a "method thatthat does not depend of the men’s participation”. An only negative representation of the female sterilizationreported in several interviews, was of being a "method of difficult access” due to a lack of money to pay for it in aprivate health service or to the long waiting to have it performed in the public services.

Mujeres que buscan por la esterilización femenina, raras veces cambian su elección. Estas mujeres expresan unprofundo miedo a quedarse embarazadas y buscan un método que sea lo más eficaz posible. Este estudio tuvopor objetivo describir y analizar las representaciones de la esterilización femenina en un grupo de 31 mujeresesterilizadas. Estudio descriptivo, cualitativo, con las informaciones recogidas por medio de entrevistas, conducidas a través de formulario semiestructurado y guión temático. La esterilización femenina fue referidacomo un método que supera las deficiencias presentadas por los métodos anticonceptivos reversibles yrepresentada como un método muy eficaz y definitivo; un método que no hace daño a la salud; un método fácilde utilizar ya que no requiere tareas adicionales de gestión; un método que no interfiere en el momento del sexoy que proporciona una sexualidad más tranquila, desvinculada del riesgo de un embarazo no deseado; unmétodo que independe de la participación del hombre. La única representación negativa de la esterilizaciónfemenina, referida en varias entrevistas, fue la de ser un método de difícil acceso, a causa de la falta de dineropara costeársela en un servicio privado de salud o la larga cola de espera de los servicios públicos que larealizan.