Representaciones sociales de universitarios sobre la abstinencia sexual y los condones como mecanismos de prevención / University students' social representations concerning sexual abstinence and the condom as prevention mechanisms

Objetivo: Interpretar las representaciones sociales de estudiantes de la Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, Seccional Sogamoso, frente al uso de la abstinencia sexual y el condón, como referentes estratégicos en la prevención de enfermedades de transmisión sexual y embarazo no deseado. Método: Mediante muestreo intencional, participaron 67 estudiantes universitarios, entre los 16 y 31 años de edad, procedentes de diferentes regiones del departamento de Boyacá. Para la recolección de información, con enfoque cualitativo, se aplicaron grupos focales y cartas asociativas siguiendo la propuesta de Araya. Resultados: Los discursos evidencian las funciones del Saber, Identitarias, de Orientación y Justificadoras, de las Representaciones Sociales, en las que el condón se reconoce como buen método de prevención, sin ser 100 % seguro, útil en el cuidado de la salud, aunque en algunos casos genera incomodidad e insatisfacción; relacionan su uso, con desconfianza en la pareja y promiscuidad. La abstinencia sexual, se identifica como un método de prevención, 100% seguro y efectivo; permite planificar, ayuda al cuidado del cuerpo y el de los demás, preserva los intereses personales a futuro, protege la salud; sin embargo, es difícil de implementar en la sociedad actual. Conclusiones: Los valores, las creencias, así como las cuestiones morales y religiosas influyen en la decisión de prevención y protección de cada persona, más allá de la información que se tenga.

Objective: Interpreting the social representations of students from the Pedagogical and Technological University of Colombia in Sogamoso concerning the use of sexual abstinence and condoms as strategic focuses for preventing sexually-transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy. Method: Purposive sampling was used with 67 university students aged 16 to 31 years-old from different regions in the Boyacá department. A qualitative approach and focus groups were used for data collection and card association, according to Araya, et al. Results: The responses revealed social representations' regarding knowledge, identity justifying and orientation recognising the condom as a good prevention method even though not being 100 % safe, useful in healthcare but in some cases leading to discomfort and dissatisfaction associated with its use. Negative associations concerned couples' distrust and promiscuity. Sexual abstinence was identified as being a 100 % safe and effective prevention method, facilitating family planning, helping to care for one's body and those of others, preserving future interests and protecting one's health but, at the same time, being difficult to implement in today's society. Conclusions: Each person's values, beliefs and moral and religious issues influence their prevention and protection decisions more than their existent information on the topic.

[University students' social representations concerning sexual abstinence and the condom as prevention mechanisms]. / Representaciones sociales de universitarios sobre la abstinencia sexual y los condones como mecanismos de prevención.

OBJECTIVE: Interpreting the social representations of students from the Pedagogical and Technological University of Colombia in Sogamoso concerning the use of sexual abstinence and condoms as strategic focuses for preventing sexually-transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy. METHOD: Purposive sampling was used with 67 university students aged 16 to 31 years-old from different regions in the Boyacá department. A qualitative approach and focus groups were used for data collection and card association, according to Araya, et al. RESULTS: The responses revealed social representations' regarding knowledge, identity justifying and orientation recognising the condom as a good prevention method even though not being 100 % safe, useful in healthcare but in some cases leading to discomfort and dissatisfaction associated with its use. Negative associations concerned couples' distrust and promiscuity. Sexual abstinence was identified as being a 100 % safe and effective prevention method, facilitating family planning, helping to care for one's body and those of others, preserving future interests and protecting one's health but, at the same time, being difficult to implement in today's society. CONCLUSIONS: Each person's values, beliefs and moral and religious issues influence their prevention and protection decisions more than their existent information on the topic.

Aspectos psicosociales en universitarias embarazadas / Psychosocial aspects regarding pregnant university students

Objetivo Determinar los aspectos psicosociales relacionados con el embarazo en estudiantes universitarias. Metodología A partir de la revisión de archivos y el muestreo intencional, se seleccionaron 68 estudiantes que tuvieron un embarazo adolescente. Mediante relatos de vida y entrevistas en profundidad se analizan las implicaciones del embarazo en la condición personal, familiar y académica. Resultados Durante el primer trimestre de embarazo, se generan crisis y ajustes en la estructura familiar y afectiva que culminan en la aceptación de la maternidad como proyecto de vida reproduciendo el estereotipo de madresolterismo. El acompañamiento de la pareja se da durante los primeros meses, seguido por abandono. Aunque prejuiciado, el apoyo de la comunidad universitaria incide en el interés por el desarrollo personal, académico y del bebé. Los servicios ofertados por la universidad, son poco utilizados aunque reconocen su importancia. Se consultan referentes especializados que asustan por su énfasis patológico, lo que conduce a informarse con fuentes familiares. La madre de la gestante es quién apoya permanentemente a su hija; no así el padre con quien, se presentan conflictos permanentes. Discusión Formar estudiantes integrales requiere programas que preparen responsablemente para la maternidad y paternidad. La prevención se traduce como promoción de vínculos afectivos saludables y el fortalecimiento en la comunicación familiar y social.

Objective Determining the subjective construction of psychosocial factors affecting pregnancy in adolescents in a sample of students. Methodology 68 students who had become pregnant during their adolescence were selected after reviewing their files and sampling by logical criteria. The implications of pregnancy on personal, family and academic conditions were analysed by means of life stories and in-depth interviews. Results Crises and adjustments appeared in family and affective structure during the first trimester of pregnancy which culminated in them accepting motherhood as part of their life project, thereby reproducing the single-mother stereotype. Accompaniment of the pair occurred mainly during the first months, followed by abandonment. Although prejudiced, the university community's support had a bearing on interest in personal and academic development and in the baby. Specialised referents were consulted which scared the girls due to their pathological emphasis, thereby leading to them consulting family sources. The pregnant girls' mothers provided ongoing support for their daughters; this was not true of the fathers with whom constant conflict was presented. The services offered by the university were little used even though their importance was recognised. Conclusions Forming integral students require programmes preparing students to be responsible for motherhood and fatherhood. Prevention was conveyed as promoting healthy affective links and strengthening family and social communication.

[Psychosocial aspects regarding pregnant university students]. / Aspectos psicosociales en universitarias embarazadas.

OBJECTIVE: Determining the subjective construction of psychosocial factors affecting pregnancy in adolescents in a sample of students. METHODOLOGY: 68 students who had become pregnant during their adolescence were selected after reviewing their files and sampling by logical criteria. The implications of pregnancy on personal, family and academic conditions were analysed by means of life stories and in-depth interviews. RESULTS: Crises and adjustments appeared in family and affective structure during the first trimester of pregnancy which culminated in them accepting motherhood as part of their life project, thereby reproducing the single-mother stereotype. Accompaniment of the pair occurred mainly during the first months, followed by abandonment. Although prejudiced, the university community's support had a bearing on interest in personal and academic development and in the baby. Specialised referents were consulted which scared the girls due to their pathological emphasis, thereby leading to them consulting family sources. The pregnant girls' mothers provided ongoing support for their daughters; this was not true of the fathers with whom constant conflict was presented. The services offered by the university were little used even though their importance was recognised. CONCLUSIONS: Forming integral students require programmes preparing students to be responsible for motherhood and fatherhood. Prevention was conveyed as promoting healthy affective links and strengthening family and social communication.